France 0 - 1 Nigeria

France 0-1 Nigeria: Akpala springs a surprise

Updated: June 3, 2009, 6:16 AM UK

France's first ever international against Nigeria ended in disappointment as they slipped to defeat in their friendly in St Etienne.

Club Brugge striker Joseph Akpala scored the only goal of the game after 32 minutes and France could not find a leveller, despite Loic Remy hitting the bar two minutes from time.

The result will have done little for the popularity of coach Raymond Domenech, who many thought was lucky to hold onto his job after their dismal showing at Euro 2008.

France have also failed to beat Austria and Romania in their World Cup qualifying group, and Domenech admitted recently he was even worried about their next clash against Faroe Islands.

He will certainly hope for better in Friday's friendly against Turkey, after a strong France side failed to impress tonight.

While Barcelona's Champions League winner Thierry Henry was absent, there was still plenty of talent on show with the likes of Karim Benzema, Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra all in the starting XI.

And it was Lyon forward Benzema who was first to try his luck, firing over from 20 yards.

Remy then drew a save out of Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama, who held on.

Nicolas Anelka also fired wide and, at the other end, Steve Mandanda saved from Peter Odemwingie, but it was Benzema who came closest to scoring.

He headed Ribery's 17th-minute free-kick goalwards and it needed a good save from Enyeama to keep it out.

Ribery and Anelka both tested Enyeama, before Nigeria took the lead.

It came from Ike Uche's free-kick, which was parried by Mandanda, but the France defence could not stop Akpala finishing.

Mandanda made further saves from Peter Odemwingie and Kalu Uche, before Domenech made a raft of substitutions at the break.

Inevitably there were fewer shots in the second half, although Ribery did miss from close range.

Andre Pierre Gignac brought a fine save out of Enyeama with 15 minutes to play, but Remy came closest in the 88th minute.

His shot from the edge of the box hit the bar and Rod Fanni drew another excellent stop from Enyeama, but there was no way back for France.