By Ebube Dike

President, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick has confirmed that the Super Eagles will play “Grade A” friendly matches in June.

Although the NFF boss did not name the countries Nigeria will face come next month, Bestchoicesports.com.ng had reported that the federation is in talks with Cameroon and Senegal Football Associations to play the two countries during the June FIFA windows.

Pinnnck who is a member of FIFA Executive Council noted that the friendlies are important to prepare the team ahead of busy 2022 World Cup Qualifiers

“We want to keep the Super Eagles busy next month knowing full well bulk of the leagues in Europe would have come to an end and after they rest a while, they should engage in top grade friendly in order to keep the boys in better shape ahead of world Cup qualifiers which is crucial for us as a Nation,” Pinnick said.

The former Delta State Football Association chairman added that “it has always been our Philosophy to get grade A friendly for the Super Eagles of Nigeria. If you look at our track records we always get friendly matches that can put the team in shape and for cohesion of the team and the forthcoming one is not an exception

“Super Eagles have been able to qualify for the last Nations Cup and this coming one in Cameroon were due to better preparation and well quality friendly matches the team always play before any major qualifiers.

“There have been good and quality preparations so far and I think we’ve got quality young lads in the team hopefully the next African Cup of Nation might just be the time for the Super Eagles to have a podium performance again.”

The FIFA Council member concluded by saying the World Cup quallfiers demand adequate preparation.

The Super Eagles, it could be remembered, were scheduled to commence their 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde in June but the postponment of has created a vacuum that the NFF is working to fill with friendlies.

Super Eagles of Nigeria are parked in Group C of the African qualifiers along with Liberia, Cape Verde and Central Africa Republic, CAR.