Football: Mexico and Nigeria in barren draw

The Mexican national team and Nigeria began their final stage of preparation for the 2014 World Cup by playing to a 0-0 draw in an international friendly Wednesday.

Mexico had some of their best chances to score late in the first half and kept the pressure on in the second half in front of a crowd of 68,212 at the Georgia Dome stadium.

Nigeria used their superior speed to dominate the early going but frustration set in in the second half as they started to collect yellow cards.

Raul Jimenez had one of the best scoring chances around the 65th minute, but Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama turned away the Mexican attack with some key saves.

Nigeria had the final scoring chance of the contest in extra time but their set piece travelled wide.

Mexico, who are ranked 21st in the world, next plays the United States in Phoenix on April 2.

Its World Cup preparations also include matches against Ecuador on May 31 in Arlington, Texas, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 3 in Chicago, and Portugal on June 6 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

Mexico is in a World Cup group that includes Brazil, Croatia and Cameroon.

Nigeria is in a group that includes Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Iran.