Karl Namnganda scored in the 90th minute to give the Central African Republic a stunning away win over Nigeria in 2022 Soccer World Cup qualifying. Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images
Nigeria Super Eagles announce Mexico date in Los Angeles
The match will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum which hosted the 1996 Olympics football event which Nigeria won.
Karl Namnganda scored in the 90th minute to give the Central African Republic a stunning away win over Nigeria in 2022 Soccer World Cup qualifying. Photo by ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images
Nigeria will face Mexico in a friendly on 3 July at the Los Angeles Coliseum in the United States, officials have confirmed.
The sides have never been separated within 90 minutes in senior international football. The only encounter not to end in a draw was their 1995 Confederations Cup third-place playoff which Mexico won on penalties.
“We are happy to be able to announce this match, which is a clash between two very big teams from two different continents,” said Jairo Pachon, Nigeria’s official match agent.
“Mexico against Nigeria is a big match any day and the venue is class.”
Happy hunting ground for Nigeria
The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is a 77,000-capacity facility which hosted the 1996 Olympics football event which Nigeria won.
Their last meeting was in October 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the game ended in a goalless draw.
The teams are expected to announce their squads next month.
Mexico are currently 11th in the FIFA Men’s Ranking, while Nigeria are 32nd.
Mexico are also the current holders of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, which they have won eight times.
Tough times for Super Eagles
Nigerian football has been rocked by a financial crisis brought on by the pandemic.
National team coach Gernot Rohr has reportedly not been paid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for six months.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick said the body was keen to resolve the financial challenges by paying some outstanding wages, specifically making payments to their coaching staff.
“The financial problems during this pandemic has affected our sponsors hence their inability to pay,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Most importantly the NFF has commenced an intervention to pay the coaches directly before the friendly matches.
“Sadly, we are also waiting for fund from the government to enable us pay the outstanding allowances and bonuses the players are expecting.
“It’s unacceptable for people to be owed and embarrassing to owe them as a body.”
