Nigerian champions Enyimba were thrashed 7-0 by Inter Milan in a charity friendly at the San Siro Stadium in Milan on Sunday.

The main focus of the match was the return to action of Brazilian superstar Ronaldo who made a 35-minute comeback after a 21-month injury layoff.

Ronaldo, who partnered Italy's Christian Vieri in attack, twice forced saves out of Enyimba goalkeeper Dele Ayianugba before setting up Vieri's header in the 19th minute.

The two-time World Footballer of the Year then scored 4 minutes later to make it 2-0 with a shot from the edge of the box.

Standing ovation

He left the field 10 minutes before the break to a standing ovation from the 20 000 crowd who turned up for what was billed "Ronaldo Day".

Vieri netted the third goal in the 43rd minute to give Inter a comfortable lead at half time.

In the second half Vieri scored two more while Nicola Ventola and new Brazilian signing Adriano got one goal each to complete the scoring.

Enyimba were lined up as last-minute replacements for the Senegalese national team. The World Cup-bound West Africans were unable to assemble a team due to the European club commitments of their top players.

The game was organised by Ronaldo himself to raise money for a United Nations programme which helps needy children in Asia, Africa and South America.