Keane scores as Ireland tie 1-1 with Nigeria
Robbie Keane scored his 39th international goal Friday night, rallying Ireland to a 1-1 tie with Nigeria in an exhibition game.
Keane collected a pass from Keith Andrews in the area in the 38th minute, got around goalkeeper Austin Ejide and easily scored the equalizer. It came just eight minutes after Michael Enemaro had given Nigeria the lead, taking a cross from Femi Olubayo that Ireland defender Kevin Foley should have cleared and sending it past goalkeeper Shay Given.
Five players made their debuts for Ireland, as coach Giovanni Trapattoni used the game at Fulhams Craven Cottage to get a look at some of his younger players ahead of the World Cup qualifier at Bulgaria on June 6. A win in Bulgaria would push the Irish closer to at least a playoff for a spot in South Africa next year.
Nigeria is also preparing for a World Cup qualifier, against Kenya on June 7, and Obafemi Martins did not play against Ireland. Evertons Joseph Yobo and Chelseas John Obi Mikel were not in the lineup, either, because they were preparing for the FA Cup final on Saturday.
