The Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Algeria have replaced Cote d’Ivoire as opponents of the Super Eagles in the first of two international friendly matches arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, to in Austria next month.
The matches fall within the FIFA window for international matches and have been approved by the world football governing body and CAF.
The Ivorienne Football federation had withdrawn citing internal problems through a letter on September 22nd. This prompted the NFF President Amaju Pinnick through phone call, to secure a stronger candidate in the African champions Algeria who immediately accepted to tango with three-time African champions Nigeria on the 9th of October at the Jacques Lemans Arena in Austria.
Algeria’s Football Federation Secretary General Mohamed Saad confirmed his country’s reopening of international flights and requested FIFA approved match agent of NFF, to carry out required planning to ensure a successful game in Austria.
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The clash in Austria next month would be the fourth between the Super Eagles and the Fennecs in three years. Both teams were in the same qualifying pool for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with the Eagles trouncing the Fennecs 3-1 in Uyo before a 1-1 draw in Constantine enroute to Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The two teams were again at each other’s jugular in the semi final of last year’s African Cup of Nations in Egypt, with the Fennecs edging Nigeria out 2-1 from a free-kick just outside the box at the death, before beating Senegal in the final to clinch their second continental title.
The NFF also commended the Embassy of Austria in Nigeria for the dispatch with which the embassy attended to the technical and backroom staff of the Super Eagles who are heading to Austria for the two games. All the officials have been issued their visas to travel.
Midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo, who only recently arrived in Turkey from Spain to join top club Galatasaray, has also been issued his visa to enter Austria.
Tunisia, rated number two in Africa and 26th in the world, will be the Super Eagles’ second opponents at the Jacques Lemans Arena on 13th October.
