Nigeria looking to secure Burkina Faso or Benin friendly

Balogun Leon Aderemi of Nigeria challenged by Lebo Mothiba of South Africa during the 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 November 2018 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Apr 24, 2019. 10:14

According to Nigeria’s This Day, the Super Eagles are hoping to secure a friendly with either Burkina Faso or Benin as part of their preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The proposed match against the Stallions or the Squirrels is set to replace one against Ghana, which has been called off after the Black Stars declined the opportunity for a friendly game.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already confirmed that Gernot Rohr’s team will face Senegal in Egypt prior to the start of the 2019 AFCON in June.

The match against Ghana, originally set for Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, was called off at the instance of the Black Stars, as they are set to be camping in Dubai at the same time as the proposed meeting.

The Nigerian federation is now holding talks with both Benin and Burkina Faso as replacement for Ghana.

Benin have qualified for the 2019 finals, while Burkina Faso were the last team Nigeria played at the AFCON tournament, defeating their fellow West Africans in the 2013 final in South Africa to claim their third continental crown.

Nigeria are set to open their Group B campaign at the 2019 AFCON with a match against Burundi on June 22, before taking on Guinea and Madagascar on June 26 and 30 respectively.