The Super Eagles of Nigeria will test their mettle against the three lions of England in a high profile friendly game on the 2nd of June, 2018.
The match which will be played at Wembley stadium in London, will be used by both countries to sure up preparations for the 2018 World cup taking place in Russia.
Both teams match up evenly when it comes to the youthfulness of their squads, with each coach having the luxury of building the core of their team with talented players, while also having the potential to do great things.
Nigeria’s coach, Gernot Rohr, has confirmed that he will field his best team on the day, with the match day squad giving Nigerians an inclination of the team that will file out against the Croatian National team in their first game on the 16th of June.
With exception to Leicester city midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, who the coach confirmed will not be risked for the game having just returned to full fitness, all the players are raring to go, with the captain of the side, Mikel Obi expected to feature from the start in what will be his first match for the Super Eagles this calendar year.
For England manager, Gareth Southgate, the match will be a big test for his England team as the Nigerian’s offer them a chance to play an African side before coming up against Tunisia in their first World Cup match.
Also, after omitting players like Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart, players like Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Nick Pope and Harry Maguire will be looking to prove themselves as worth starters in the team.
This will be the third time both teams will be meeting, with the last encounter between them coming in the final group game of the 2002 World Cup, with both sides settling for a goalless draw.
Players to Watch:
• John Obi Mikel (Nigeria):The heart beat of Nigeria’s team. Almost certain of a starting berth, Mikel has a knack for dictating the tempo of the game, and anytime he does that, the Super Eagles are usually difficult to contain.
• Harry Kane (England) : There is no Sugar coating it! Harry Kane is England’s best player. Gareth Southgate has put faith in the Tottenham striker by making him the captain of the side. Kane not only brings with him goals into the side, he also has a good link-up play with his team mates and is great at set-pieces.
Head to Head clash:
• Nigeria won 0
• England won 1
• Drawn Games 1
Coaches:
• Gernot Rohr (Nigeria)
• Gareth Southgate (England)
Date, Time and Venue of the match:
• June 2nd , 2018
• 5:15pm (Nigerian time)
• Wembley Stadium, London.
