Okocha strike earns draw

Kaku and Paredes challenge for the ball at Loftus Rd

An experimental Nigerian team salvaged a 1-1 draw with Paraguay thanks to a late penalty from Jay Jay Okocha.

A hastily assembled Super Eagles side was outplayed by the South Americans in the first half.

But they rallied after the break and pulled level after Austin Okocha converted from the penalty spot.

Carlos Gamarra had put Paraguay ahead after 20 minutes of lively entertaining football.

His powerful header proved too much of a challenge for Ejide in the Nigerian goal.

Ogbeche showed promise

Nigeria's defence and midfield were very shakey, with only Okocha providing some sort of stability for the Super Eagles.

Nwankwo Kanu showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but the team did not gel.

The individual perfomance of Bartholomew Ogbeche of Paris Saint Germain may, though, put him in the running for a place in Nigeria's World Cup squad.

With seven minutes remaining, referee Steve Bennett blew for a handball against Celso Ayalo and Okocha duly converted the penalty.

The 6,000 spectators were predominantly Nigerian, and applauded their team from the pitch at the final whistle.

But Paraguay had dominated the game for long spells, and their World Cup opponents, South Africa, Spain and Slovenia will no doubt take note.