A second-string Super Eagles side put up a brave fight but ended up losing 2-0 to their hosts Costa Rica in an international friendly at the National Stadium, San Jose on Thursday morning.
Experienced defender, Oscar Duarte poked in a header in the seventh minute.
The goal came from a long distance free-kick, while the Super Eagles defenders were ball watching.
Despite conceding so early in the game, the Super Eagles held their own with Water FC right-back, Dominion Ohaka troubling the Costa Rica defence.
Ohaka, who caught the eye, was very comfortable on the ball going forward and produced some decent crosses.
The strikers, however, did not have the confidence to really trouble the Costa Rica defence.
Second-half substitute, Sunday Faleye also showed glimpses of the player who shone for Nigeria at the 2018 African Nations Championship in Morocco.
Centre-back Ejeh Isaiah was lucky not to be sent off for a rugby-like tackle in the second half.
Kendal Watson scored the second goal for Costa Rica 17 minutes from time.
The Super Eagles will now shift attention to their next friendly against Portugal in Lisbon on November 17.