Former Super Eagles players Victor Obinna Nsofor and Joel Obi were part of the Inter Milan Legends side that suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid Legends in the 13th edition of the Corazón Classic Match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Soccernet.ng reports.
The charity fixture, organised by the Real Madrid Foundation on Saturday, June 13, brought together several former stars from both European giants. This year’s event was staged under the theme, “A match with the soul of childhood,” with proceeds directed towards social and sports development projects for children around the world.
Inter Legends looked on course for victory after taking the lead before halftime, but Real Madrid’s veterans produced a second-half comeback to delight the home supporters.
The match remained evenly balanced for much of the first half before Inter Legends broke the deadlock in the 41st minute.
Former Brazil midfielder Hernanes converted at the second attempt after Real Madrid goalkeeper Koke Contreras initially saved his penalty. The rebound fell kindly for the ex-Inter star, who reacted quickest to put the Nerazzurri veterans ahead.
Inter’s lineup featured several famous names, including Javier Zanetti, Maicon, Lúcio, Esteban Cambiasso, Rodrigo Palacio, Giampaolo Pazzini and Goran Pandev.
However, Real Madrid Legends gradually took control after the break. Their pressure paid off in the 69th minute when former Portugal defender Pepe powered home a header to level the contest at 1-1.
Only six minutes later, David Barral completed the turnaround. The former Spanish striker rose highest inside the penalty area to chest past Francesco Toldo and give the hosts a 2-1 lead.
Despite late pressure from the Italian side, Real Madrid Legends held firm to secure victory at the Bernabéu.
Super Eagles: Obinna, Obi make positive contributions for Inter Legends
Both Nigerian representatives were introduced during the second half and played important roles as Inter searched for a result.
Joel Obi entered the match in the 56th minute, replacing former Argentina international Esteban Cambiasso in midfield. The former Super Eagles midfielder brought energy and movement to the centre of the pitch as Real Madrid increased the tempo after halftime.
The 35-year-old remained involved for 25 minutes before making way for Antonio Candreva in the 81st minute as Inter chased an equaliser.
Victor Obinna, who holds Victor Osimhen in high regards, was introduced six minutes later in the 62nd minute, replacing former Honduras striker David Suazo. Known throughout his career for his pace and direct running, the former Nigeria forward immediately offered a different attacking threat.
Obinna’s movement troubled Real Madrid defenders Pepe and Fernando Sanz during the closing stages, while Joel Obi helped Inter, who remained connected to their Nigerian fans through Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, maintain their shape in midfield as the game opened up.
The appearance of both players was another reminder of their connections with Inter Milan. Joel Obi came through the club’s youth academy and made 71 senior appearances between 2010 and 2015, winning the FIFA Club World Cup, Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana.
Obinna, meanwhile, spent the 2008/09 season at Inter under José Mourinho, helping the club win the Serie A title before continuing his career through spells in Spain, England and Russia.
While injury affected Obi’s impact for Nigeria, Obinna impressed for the Super Eagles, claiming two bronze medals at the Africa Cup of Nations. The former West Ham United attacker was the star of the Nigeria U-23 team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Obinna scored three crucial goals during the tournament to lead Nigeria all the way to the final, where they settled for the silver medal after a 1-0 loss to Lionel Messi’s Argentina.