Mexico finalize Gold Cup preparations with dominant victory over Nigeria

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

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Mexico eased past Nigeria 4-0 in Los Angeles on Saturday night in El Tri's final preparation match ahead of next week's CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Goals from Rogelio Funes Mori, Jonathan dos Santos, and a Hector Herrera brace, made for a comfortable victory for Mexico in front of 53,258 fans at the Coliseum.

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An unmarked Herrera opened the scoring for Mexico within two minutes of the opening whistle, turning in Jesus Corona's corner at the far post.

Less than 90 seconds later, Mexico were 2-0 up after Funes Mori made the most of Hirving Lozano's scuffed shot and fired past Nigeria keeper Stanley Nwabali.

Funes Mori recently obtained Mexican citizenship, making him eligible to file a one-time switch from Argentina to represent El Tri. Born in Mendoza and partially raised in the U.S., the Monterrey star made one appearance for El Albiceleste in 2012.

Herrera added his second in the 52nd minute before Dos Santos rounded off the night with a controlled finish 12 minutes from time. 

Mexico will face off against Curacao, El Salvador and a qualifier are in Group A when the Gold Cup group stage kicks off on July 10. Group B sees the U.S., Martinique, Canada and a qualifier; Costa Rica, Jamaica, Suriname and a qualifier are in Group C; and Grenada, Honduras, Panama and invited guest Qatar are in Group D.

The top two nations in each group advance. The final is Aug. 1 in Las Vegas.