Kelechi Iheanacho (second right), Alex Iwobi (right) and other Eagles in ecstasy after Iheanacho scored the second goal that sealed Super Eagles victory in Zambia during the World Cup qualifier, recently.
Super Eagles now have the opportunity to know their full potency, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured friendlies against the Teranga Lions of Senegal and Stallions of Burkina Faso.
The tune up matches are in preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
According to the NFF, the senior male national team will be taking on Senegal on March 23 in London, and the game against Burkina Faso will be four days later, in alliance with the FIFA window break next month.
Senegal lost out in the quarter final of the last AFCON hosted by Gabon, while Burkina Faso got to the semi final of the competition. Both teams are seen as capable of giving Gernot Rohr-led team the needed test, as qualifications for the two competitions hot up.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye, disclosed to supersport.com that the friendly games in the March window have been finalised after a bit of concern on which teams the Eagles will face.
“The two teams that the Super Eagles will play have been confirmed. Nigeria will face the Teranga Lions of Senegal on March 23rd and then meet Burkina Faso on the 27th,” Ibitoye said.
“Both games will be in London and it will provide us with a stern test as we prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
“We had a few teams in mind, but we have finally received confirmation for Senegal and Burkina Faso. The Ghana deal didn’t work, presumably because they don’t have a coach now after Avram Grant resigned.
“But all have been settled now, Senegal and Burkina Faso will be the two teams the Eagles will face in the March FIFA window,” he added.
Nigeria is top of Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with six points from two matches. The Super Eagles will also do battle with South Africa, Libya and Seychelles for a spot at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: G Sport
