The Mexican national football team, nicknamed El Tri has arrived in Dallas, Texas where they will take on the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an international friendly. The North Americans had previously defeated Nigeria four-nil, a team that was blended with youth and home-based players.
This time around, it is looking to be payback time for the Nigerians who will want to claim a victory on Sunday. Mexico have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and they intend to use the match to prepare properly for the Mundial. Nigeria failed to book a place at the World Cup, missing out to Ghana courtesy of the away goal rule.
El Tri arrived this morning(Nigerian Time) and will hold a light training session in the evening. The match is scheduled for the 29th of May and the Eagles will fly in to the US by tomorrow to begin earnest preparations for the big occasion. With new manager Jose Peseiro set to take charge, a few regular names have been rested. These include Victor Osimhen, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Odion Ighalo. Wilfred Ndidi misses out through injury.
Notably, there have been seven players from the NPFL that have received their maiden call-up to the national team. Enyimba duo of goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo and star forward Victor Mbaoma were called up to the Eagles’ squad. Towering defender of Plateau United Ibrahim Buhari was named on the list as well as Remo Stars midfielder Isah Ali. Others who made it from the Nigerian top tier were;Adewale Adeyinka of Akwa United, Afeez Nosiru of Kwara United, and Ishaq Rafiu of Rivers United.
The Super Eagles will afterward take on Ecuador on June 3 to end the international friendlies. Six days later, they begin the road to AFCON 2023 when they take on Sierra Leone at home and then face Mauritius on the 13th. Nigeria is grouped with Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Mauritius.
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