Africa hopefuls Nigeria wrapped up their Russia 2018 World Cup preparations with a 1-0 loss to Czech Republic in a warm-up played at Rudolf Tonn Stadium, Austria Tuesday.

25-year-old Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas netted the lone goal in the 25^th from a goalmouth scramble.

The match was halted for a few minutes in the 59^th minute due to thunderstorm.

The loss was Nigeria’s Super Eagles second on the bounce after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat in the hands of the three lions of England at Wembley Stadium.

Before, the three times African champions were held to a 1-1 draw by the Leopards of DR Congo in their last home show before the World Cup which begins in Russia in eight days’ time.

The coach Gernot Rohr’s charges now head to Russia where they will open their Group D campaign against Croatia on 16^th June at Kiliningrad Stadium, Kiliningrad.

In the other group match of the day Argentina will host Iceland at Otkritie Arena, Moscow.

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com