Eagles to play Zimbabwe, Senegal ahead of AFCON

Nigeria will face Zimbabwe and Senegal in friendlies ahead of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, announced on Wednesday, Punchng report.

The Super Eagles, who open their camp on June 2 in Asaba, will host Zimbabwe’s Warriors on June 8 in the Delta State capital, before facing the continent’s top side Senegal in Egypt, the tournament hosts, eight days later.

“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,” Pinnick said.

Senegal FA boss, Augustine Senghor, stated, “We shall only have one friendly match against Nigeria as we prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.”

On June 9, the Eagles will depart Asaba for Ismailia, Egypt, where they will set up a final training camp.

The day after the clash with Senegal at the Ismailia stadium, the Eagles’ will again move to Alexandria, venue of their Group B games.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, open their campaign against Burundi on June 22 and will also play Guinea (June 26) and debutants Madagascar (June 30) in the group stage.