News

Official: Super Eagles set to face Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the USA

Nigeria will continue their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June where they will meet AFCON 2023 semi-finalists, South Africa after they drew their first two games.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will square up against Argentina’s La Albiceleste during the March International break in the United States of America, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria, currently placed 28th in the latest FIFA national team rankings will face a familiar foe on foreign turf as they get into footballing action for the first time since their AFCON 2023 final loss to Ivory Coast.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina stunned the World when they emerged winners of the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted in Qatar. They currently occupy the number one position in FIFA’s latest national team rankings.

The clash between both sides was confirmed when the official account of the Argentine Football Association posted the details of the game on their social media handle.

The game was previously scheduled to be played in China, but the fans weren’t too pleased with the decision after Lionel Messi’s recent escapades with Inter Miami.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was meant to feature in a game played on the club’s tour in China but didn’t due to an injury.

The 36-year-old featured in another game a few days later, causing uproar within his Chinese fanbase, before the game was eventually moved to the United States of America, to be played on the 26th of March.

Nigeria and Argentina are no strangers to each other, with both sides drawn into the same FIFA World Cup group between 2010 and 2018.

In their meetings on the World’s biggest stage, the Super Eagles played a goalless draw in 2010, with La Albiceleste emerging victorious in 2014 and 2018.

 

This post was last modified on February 22, 2024 9:59 pm

Adefolahan Guerreiro

Adefolahan is a multilingual journalist and writer at Soccernet Nigeria. With a Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and a track record of involvement in College sports, Adefolahan is focused on crafting engaging football content and utilising his language skills and extensive sports knowledge to enhance content accessibility for a global audience. He has interviewed Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.

Share
Published by
Adefolahan Guerreiro

Recent Posts

Photos: Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi and his rapper girlfriend flaunt their love on social media, unfazed by critics

Borussia Dortmund sensation Karim Adeyemi and his girlfriend are not letting critics get in the… Read More

2 hours ago

“I think it’s not out of place” – Amaju Pinnick backs NFF’s capacity to fund Finidi George’s foreign assistants

Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has revealed that the Nigerian football… Read More

4 hours ago

United States U19 coach rejects Nigeria’s “insulting” salary offer to be Finidi George’s assistant – report

United States U19 coach Michael Nsien has turned down an offer from the Nigeria Football… Read More

6 hours ago

I believe in Ola Aina – Says Super Eagles legend as Nottingham Forest face EPL relegation battle

Super Eagles legend, Sunday Oliseh, has shown his belief in his compatriot and Super Eagles… Read More

6 hours ago

“His preference is England” – Italian transfer expert hints at Chelsea move for Super Eagles striker

Italian transfer expert, Gianluca Di Marzio, has hinted that Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen,… Read More

7 hours ago

“Never expected NFF to overlook Amunike” – Ex-international backs Finidi despite ex-Barcelona star’s snub

1996 Olympics gold medalist Mobi Oparaku has revealed he was surprised that the Nigeria Football… Read More

7 hours ago