World Cup-Bound Nigeria were Tuesday night held to a 0-0 draw by Saudi Arabia in a warm-up match played in Wattens, Austria.
In a first-ever clash between the two countries at full international level, the Super Eagles lacked cohesion and created very little, while the Saudis, playing under less pressure, enjoyed more of the possession and were the more positive of the two teams.
Saudi Arabia also got the best chance of the game in the 62nd minute when Al Dawsarri Saeed Abdulaziz was put clear after the Nigerian defence was cut open, only to drive his final ball inches wide.
Goalkeeper Austin Ejide also had to tip a speculative Saudi shot for a corner two minutes from the end.
Nigeria made six substitutions, against the five by Saudi Arabia. Obafemi Martins, John and Peter Utaka as well as Sani Kaita, Chidi Odiah and Ikechukwu Uche all saw action for Nigeria in the second period.
The Falcons of Saudi Arabia started the brighter of the two teams and initiated a couple of attacks that must have worried a jittery Nigerian back four.
Against the run of play, Kalu Uche tried an audacious chip after 20 minutes which missed narrowly, before Eagles goalkeeper Ejide was forced to scramble to safety a left-footed shot by Alshihri Yahya from outside the box.
However, as the game wore on the more fancied Nigerians began to impose themselves in the encounter with Everton striker Victor Anichebe in the thick of the action.
In the 35th minute, Elderson Echiejile combined with Anichebe on the left flank before the Saudis booted the ball into a corner.
Two minutes, Anichebe drilled a low shot from the edge of the box but the goalkeeper scrambled for a corner with his leg.
Moments later, the young Everton striker was put through by Lobi Stars Terna Suswan, but his final ball was blocked for a corner.
Anichebe then cut inside the Saudi Arabia vital area with a minute to spare in the first half, but before Kalu Uche could connect home from inside the six-yard box, the Falcons cleared the danger.
After the interval, the Saudis continued to enjoy more of the ball and created more chances than the other team, but they could not put away any of them to crown an encouraging outing.
(MTN Football)
