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By Amaechi Agbo

As the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, draws closer, Super Eagles of Nigeria will tackle the Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Terranga Lions of Senegal in preparatory matches next month, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report .

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, confirmed the matches in a press release made available to Bestchoicesports.com.ng.

Zimbabwe, who have in their ranks globally –acknowledged stars such as Knowledge Musona and Kharma Billiat, finished top of a qualifying group that included two-time African champions, Democratic Republic of Congo, a resurgent Liberia and 1972 AFCON winners, Congo Brazzaville.

On Sunday, 16th June, the Eagles will file out against Africa’s number one –ranked team, Senegal at the Ismailia Stadium in their final tune –up game.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick said on Tuesday: “We have sealed the matches with the Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Lions of Teranga and these are two matches we are really looking forward to. There cannot possibly be a better way to get into the AFCON spirit than playing the number one –ranked team in Africa just before the finals begin.”

His Senegalese counterpart, Augustine Senghor, stated: “We shall only have one friendly match against Nigeria as we prepare for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Apart from being Africa’s number one-ranked team, the Teranga Lions have in their ranks the revered Liverpool FC of England pointman Sadio Mane. They come up against a Nigeria side also brimming with talent, depth and creativity.

Zimbabwe will tackle host Egypt in the opening match of the 2019 AFCON on June 21