Since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations ended in February, this international break is the first time most African teams are reuniting.
For Nigeria's Super Eagles, it is an opportunity to restrategize following their second-place finish at the AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire. Also, they are doing this under a new coach, Finidi George. It is also a chance for them to plan ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which come up later in June.
The Super Eagles already defeated Ghana 2-1 in their first friendly game on Friday, and they have another game against Mali lined up.
Meanwhile, because of the important nature of the World Cup qualifiers, which come up in June, Soccernet.ng also examines the performance of Nigeria's other group opponents.
The Super Eagles are in Group D with South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.
To begin with, South Africa played a friendly game against Andorra on Thursday, which ended 1-1. It was almost a different side from the one that played the Nations Cup third-place match. Hugo Broos started regulars like Grant Kekana, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, and Themba Zwane from the bench. Also, Percy Tau, Ronyen Williams, and Khuliso Mudau were not in the team.
South Africa play their second friendly game against Algeria on Tuesday.
Also, Rwanda and Botswana played out a goalless draw on Friday. Rwanda did not play at the AFCON, and it was their first game of the year. Their second game is against Madagascar on Monday.
Meanwhile, Lesotho, who forced the Super Eagles to a draw in the second game of the qualifiers, have also been in action. They played a friendly game against Ethiopia on Thursday, winning 2-1. Both sides met again for the second leg on Sunday, but they lost 2-1 this time. Most of their players play in their local league, which means they would have a good understanding of each other, so Nigeria have to be careful.
Nigeria's fourth group-stage opponent, Zimbabwe, have also been in action. They played a 2-2 draw with Zambia on Saturday. Macauley Bonne and Walter Musona scored for them, while Stoppila Sunzu and Clatous Chama scored for Zambia. The game against Zambia will be their only fixture before they play Lesotho in June.
Finally, Benin, who former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr coaches, were forced to a 2-2 draw by African champions Cote d'Ivoire. The Ivorians had most of their stars, but Benin proved very stubborn. The Super Eagles must be wary of Benin midfielder Junior Olaitan, as he scored their two goals. It was Benin's first game of the year, but it was a good result. Next up for them is a fixture against Senegal on Tuesday.
