2019 Afcon: Eagles to play Zimbabwe, Senegal in friendlies

Nigeria will square up to Zimbabwe and Senegal in pre-Afcon 2019 friendly matches in the month of June.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation on Wednesday, the three-time African champions will open camp in Asaba, capital of Delta State on June 2, ahead of the clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Stephen Keshi Stadium on Saturday, June 8.

Zimbabwe, who have in their ranks globally – acknowledged talents Knowledge Musona and Kharma Billiat, finished top of a qualifying group that included two-time African champions, Democratic Republic of Congo, a resurgent Liberia and 1972 Afcon winners, Congo Brazzaville.

The day after the match with the Warriors, the Super Eagles delegation will depart Asaba aboard a chartered flight for Ismailia, Egypt where they will set up a final training camp.

On Sunday,  June 16, the Eagles will file out against Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal at the Ismailia Stadium in their final tune-up game.

This is a match to look forward to, between Africa’s number one and number three –ranked teams, just a few days to the kick –off of the 32nd Africa Cup of Nations.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick said on Thursday: “We have sealed the matches with the Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Lions of Teranga and these are two matches we are really looking forward to.

“There cannot possibly be a better way to get into the Afcon spirit than playing the number one –ranked team in Africa just before the finals begin.”

His Senegalese counterpart, Augustine Senghor, stated: “We shall only have one friendly match against Nigeria as we prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Apart from being Africa’s number one –ranked team, the Lions of Teranga have in their ranks the revered Liverpool FC of England pointman Sadio Mane.

They come up against a Nigeria side also brimming with talent, depth and creativity.

The day after the clash with Senegal, the Super Eagles’ delegation will move to Alexandria, venue of their Group B games.

They will take on Burundi on June 22, tackle Guinea on June 26, and confront Madagascar on June 30.