Nigeria has good players, says Argentina Coach, Sampaoli

October 26, 2017

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Coach of Argentina Jorge Sampaoli has hinted the Super Eagles of Nigeria will give them a stern test in next month friendly game in Russia.

Sampaoli who reckoned that the game will serve as part of the preparations for both teams ahead of the 2018 World Cup expect a tough test as he described Super Eagles players as strong and skillful.

Argentina will play their first warm-up game against Russia before taking on Nigeria four days later, and Sampaoli who has called up all of his big name players for the friendly has revealed why he is expecting a tough game from Nigeria.

“They (Nigeria) are a very physical side, and also technical in their style of play, which is totally different from the teams we faced during the World Cup Qualifiers. Nigeria also has some very good players”, Sampaoli said in Argentina.

“For now they are one of the best teams in Africa, which tells a lot about their qualities, we are expecting a very challenging game from Nigeria. They are good in several ways”, he concluded.

Head Coach of the Argentina national team, Jorge Sampaoli, has defended the choice of La Albicelestes playing a friendly with the Super Eagles.

“We chose Nigeria as an opponent because we believe they can offer us the kind of strong competition we need before the Mundial next year.

“They (Nigeria) are a very physical side, and also technical in their style of play, which is totally different from the teams we faced during the World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria also has some very good players,” Sampaoli said.

The former Chilean national team coach also praised Nigeria as one of the best teams, despite being fifth in the African ranking.

“For now, they are one of the best teams in Africa, which tells a lot about their qualities. We are expecting a very challenging game from Nigeria. They are good in several ways.

(THE NATION)