27th June, 2012
Nigeria will face a hearculean task when they tackle Arsenal in a lucrative pre-season friendly tie in Abuja on 5 August, less than a fortnight before the new Barclays Premier League campaign gets underway.
The game is expected to be a sell-out as the Gunners visit Africa for the first time since 1993 when they toured South Africa, reports Dailymail Wednesday afternoon.
“We are delighted to announce that Arsenal Football Club will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja,” said DanJan Sports promoter, David Omigie.
“The NFF has agreed that the country will present a strong side as coach Stephen Keshi will use the tie to test his new team,” said Omigie.
“The Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, will also use this game to showcase his full squad for the 2012/2013 football season.”
Arsenal have a huge followership in Africa, particularly in Nigeria with fans many supporting the club from the days Nwankwo Kanu, who played for the north London side between 1999 and 2004.
The club announced on their official website Wednesday: “The club last visited Africa during a tour of South Africa in July 1993.
“The Gunners are returning as a result of the fantastic support which exists for the team, not only in Nigeria, but across the entire continent.”
The Super Eagles are ranked 60th in the world and will provide Arsene Wenger’s side a challenging test following their July tour of the Far East, which sees the Gunners take on champions Manchester City in China.