NPFL All-Stars lose to Valencia in La Liga Tour

The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) All-Stars 2-1 held their own as Spanish side Valencia CF beat them in the first game of their La Liga Tour.

Spain striker Rodrigo Moreno struck late to secure a 2-1 victory for Valencia after Joseph Osadaiye had cancelled out Alvaro Medran’s opener.

The hosts dominated the game in the opening stages as the NPFL Stars struggled for rhythm, and Medran beat goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa with a header in the 10th minute.

Los Che retained their attacking pressure as the half wore on, but Godwin Obaje got the Nigerian side their first rare scoring chance in the 23rd minute.

Osadiaye restored parity in the 32nd minute as he pounced on a defensive blunder to head home for Salisu Yusuf’s side and stun the packed Luis Súñer stadium.

Pako Ayestaran’s men came close to retaking the lead on the brink of half time but were denied by an offside call.

A raft of changes at the restart by coach Yusuf didn’t affect the Nigerian stars as they went toe-to-toe with their illustrious hosts until the 84th minute when Moreno pounced on a long ball and rounded Ezenwa before slotting into a gaping goal.

The NPFL All-Stars travel to the Costa dos Sol to take on Malaga next.