Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria, in need of a lift after recording one win in 14 games, were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in a friendly.

The home team were on top early on and took the lead in the 12th minute when Roman Kienast converted a cross from Roland Linz.

But Nigeria, ranked 39th in the world to Austria's 101, snatched the equaliser seven minutes later through Kalu Uche.

Austria went close to grabbing a winner when substitute Erwin Hoffer struck the post in the 48th.

Coach Josef Hickersberger, who will announce his Euro 2008 squad on Wednesday, used 14 players against Nigeria including 38-year-old Ivica Vastic.

Goalkeeper Juergen Macho, vying with Alex Manninger as first choice, made several good saves in Graz.

Earlier, third choice Helge Payer withdrew from the squad due to a stomach problem. Ramazan Ozcan was called up as a replacement.

Austria, co-hosting the June 7-29 finals with Switzerland, are in Group B with Croatia, Poland and Germany.

The final warm-up for Hickersberger's side will be against Malta on Friday.

Reuters