Nigeria, North Korea Friendly Gets FIFA Approval

FIFA has approved the warm-up friendly between Nigeria and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea scheduled to hold on June 6 in Johannesburg.

A press statement signed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)’s spokesman, Ademola Olajire, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, stated that the two countries needed to get the world football body’s approval for the game.

Olajire said they also needed approval of the host association, the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) for the game billed for Makhulong Stadium, Tembisa on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

He said the approval letter was signed by FIFA’s Competitions Executive Directive, Jim Brown.

   The NFF spokesman said the game against the  North Koreans would be of immense benefit to the super Eagles in preparing for their group game against Korea Republic (South Korea) holding on June 22 in Durban.

The Eagles are expected in Durban today from London aboard a chartered flight.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s first round opponents, Argentina arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Diego Maradona, the Argentine coach, said on arrival at the or Tambo International Airport, that he was looking forward to the championship.

“I’m excited to be here, I love South Africa and I’m looking forward to the world cup,” Maradona said.

Argentina and Nigeria are to open their campaign on June 12 at the Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg.

Denmark also arrived early on Saturday, bringing to four the number of countries already in South Africa.

The Danes will face the Netherlands, Cameroon and Japan in the first round.

Australia and five-time winners, Brazil arrived early last week.