In the bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations with a bang after missing the last two editions, the Super Eagles are billed to have two more international friendlies to play before they head out to Egypt for the 2019 AFCON, the Nigeria football Federation has declared.
While the Eagles’ first friendly this year has been confirmed for March 26 against Egypt in Asaba, the other two opponents being lined up for their final build-up to AFCON 2019 are yet to be named.
Officials at Nigeria Football Federation are awaiting the outcome of the AFCON 2019 draw ceremony at the end of March, to avoid lining up games against teams that might end up in their group at the four week, 24-nation championship in June/July.
NFF top shots at still relishing their ability to get a match at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba against Egypt, who have won the Africa Cup of Nations title seven times and will now host AFCON 2019.
Confederation of African Football last Tuesday voted for Egypt, hosts of the 1959, 1986 and 2006 editions, to also receive the first ever 24-nation AFCON scheduled for 15th June to 13th July.
They will also test their might against the Eagles, who they stopped from going to AFCON 2015 but, like they did for last year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia; have a ticket to AFCON 2019 with a match to spare, following a 1-1 draw away to South Africa on 17th November 2018.
They take on Seychelles in a purely ceremonial session in Asaba on 22nd March to conclude the campaign, and NFF president, Amaju Pinnick says that will be used to kick start the Eagles’ preparation.
Pinnick added: “The match against Seychelles will serve as the beginning of our preparations for the AFCON.
“(It will) be followed four days later by a friendly against the Egyptian national team at the same venue.”