Super Eagles: Nigeria to play friendlies against Cote D’Ivoire, Tunisia in October
- Super Eagles of Nigeria will be playing two friendly matches in Austria in a matter of weeks
- Gernor Rohr tutored side will face Cote D’Ivoire on October 9 before taking-on Tunisia four days later
- The Nigerian national team has been out of action since March due to the pandemic
Super Eagles will face-off with former African champions Cote D’Ivoire on October 9 and then Tunisia four days later, October 13, the Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick has confirmed.
Both games are scheduled to take place in Austria with the Nigeria football house citing concerns as regards the pandemic as the world continues to battle the dreaded coronavirus.
Pinnick, in a series of tweets, explained that with the bulk of the stars that make up the current Nigerian national team plying their trade in Europe, Austria was considered as an ideal venue.
He wrote: “On the 9th of October, the Super Eagles will play former African champions, Cote D'Ivoire in a friendly game, then face another African giant and former champions Tunisia, four days later, on the 13th. Both games will be held in Austria for a few obvious reasons.
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“Due to the COVID-19 protocols presently in place and the proximity of the bulk of our team as well, Austria was seen as an ideal venue.
"I'll have to stress as well, that all costs will be borne by the Football Federations of both Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire, as well as Tunisia.”
The friendlies against the Elephants as well as the Carthage Eagles will serve as preparatory games ahead of the crunch 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in November.
Nigeria who are three-time African champions will, in November, continue their quest to qualifying for the tournament when they face Sierra Leone in a double-header.
Recall that the 2021 edition was postponed a year further by the continental football body in a bid to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles legend Victor Ikpeba has rated Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka high considering his performances this term and urged Gernot Rohr to invite him to Nigerian national team.
Saka is no doubt one of the fastest rising youngsters in Europe and he has been superb for the Gunners in all competitions since he got to the first team.
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Source: Legit.ng
