By Daily Sports on September 10, 2019

Nigeria will meet Ukraine today in a friendly encounter, which is the Super Eagles’ first test after the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt. The encounter, scheduled for the Dnipro Arena, will be the first meeting between the two countries in an International engagement.

Ukraine currently sits on top of Group B of the European Championship qualifying series with 13 points, having won four matches and drawing one out of five encounters in a group that also has the defending champions, Portugal. Ukraine parade a formidable team that includes Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovsky and danger man, Brazilian-born winger, Marlos. They are coached by Andriy Shevchenko. On paper, the Eagles have a Herculean task ahead of them.

Already, some of the Super Eagles key players, including captain Ahmed Musa, Kenneth Omeruo, Wilfred Ndidi, Henry Onyekuru and Tyronne Ebuehi, have withdrawn from the match. They have been replaced by Brian Idowu and lesser-known players like Josh Maja, Emmanuel Dennis and Anderson Esiti.

Speaking on what awaits the Eagles ahead of the big test and the likely reasons why some of the players withdrew from the encounter, former international, Ifeanyi Udeze said the players at times want a break after playing many times for their countries during competitive games.

“When you are a regular player for your country and you go there often, at times you might need a break. But I also think it is a big opportunity for other players to showcase themselves.

“It is an important match though, but not as serious as that because it is only a friendly game to us. Friendly games are sometimes basically to also give other players the chance to showcase themselves for the coach to see what they have to offer.

“We should not see it as if the players have chickened out because of the strong opposition expected from the Ukrainians, who are topping a group that also includes the European champions, Portugal.”

Today’s clash will take place at the 31,000-capacity Dnipro Arena, home ground of top club FC Dnipro, and will kick off at 9.30pm Ukraine time (7.30pm in Nigeria). (The Guardian)

•Photo shows Super Eagles players

Source Daily Sports

Posted September 10, 2019

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