North Korea lost a 3-1 defeat to Nigeria in a World Cup warm-up in South Africa, Sunday, a friendly overshadowed by a stampede which caused injuries to at least 15 people.
The Nigerians pulled ahead 15 minutes into the game held at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa, near Johannesburg, with Everton striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni delivering his team's first goal of the match.
Victor Obinna scored another goal to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot 15 minutes into the second half withr Jong Tea-se of North Korea to pull one back after a mistake from Elderson Echiejile in three minutes after Nigeria’s second goal.
Obafemi Martins sealed the win ― a first under new coach Lars Lagerback ― with Nigeria's third following good work from Kalu Uche. A disappointing afternoon for North Korea was compounded when Cha Jong-hyok was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.
This was the final warm-up for both teams with Nigeria facing a difficult debut on June 12 against Argentina in Group B where South Korea belongs and North Korea starting against record five-time winners Brazil on June 15 in Group G.