Lionel Messi
Barcelona star Lionel Messi and his Argentine teammates convinced the Argentine Football Association to play Nigeria instead of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
The grade A friendly between Nigeria and Argentina has been fixed for November 14 in Russia, four days after the dead rubber match in Constantine, against Algeria in the final round of the 2018 World Cup qualifying series.
News circulating in Nigeria reveal that senior national team players, led by Messi have advised AFA to settle for a friendly game against the Super Eagles.
It is reported that AFA were in talks with Azerbaijan and also engaged Ukraine for a friendly after securing a high profile friendly against the hosts of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia.
Nigeria were originally looking for a game against Argentina next year, but the plan was brought forward after senior players in the team decided on facing the Super Eagles ahead of Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
”It’s normal for the FA to speak with the coach, who will then inform the players through the captain about any friendly game and venue,” South American Tim Martin told Owngoalnigeria.com.
“It’s so in Argentina because most of the players have to travel long miles because of their location.”
It will be recalled that La Albiceleste manager Jorge Sampaoli listed Messi, alongside Juventus’ Paolo Dybala, Inter-Milan captain Mauro Icardi and Paris St. Germain’s Angel Di Maria, among the players to face the three-time African champions in the friendly.
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