Friday, March 8, 2013

Nigeria confirm Houston friendly against Mexico

Nigeria have announced a friendly fixture, to be played against Mexico in the United States in May, which they hope will form part of their Fifa Confederations Cup preparations.

The African Champions expect a huge crowd against Mexico at the Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas on May 31.

Nigeria's last friendly in the United States ended in a 3-1 win against Venezuela in Miami five months ago and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are delighted to return to North America.

"This is a big friendly game for both countries as the Super Eagles continue to build, impress and win back support," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told this blog.

"There's a massive Mexican and Nigerian community in Houston, both set of fans will be excited that the African Champions are coming to Texas.

"We are confident Nigerians will come out to support their team and have a close look at them before the Confederations Cup in Brazil."

Nigeria drew their last encounter against Mexico 2-2 at the Estadio Olimpico Benito Juarez in Chihuahua, Mexico in October 2007.

Although the Eagles will travel to Kenya on June 8 for a World Cup qualifier before departing for the Fifa Confederations Cup in Brazil, but organisers believe this friendly will help them immensely.

"We've considered Nigeria's opponent in Brazil before settling for the Mexicans," Jairo Pachon of Eurodata, NFF's match agent, said..

"Playing against Uruguay and Spain means they must be at their very best and Mexico provides them with this perfect preparation.

"A lot of countries are interested in playing against Nigeria because they are the African champions but we must look at what will benefit the team and their fans the most."

Nigeria will host Kenya at home in Calabar later this month in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier.

The West Africans say playing at the World Cup in Brazil is a bigger priority for them after conquering the continent at the last African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

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