Big match feature: Italy v Nigeria by naija gbedu 18 November 2013 It is now safe to tag this warm-up contest a pre-World Cup game. Italy and Nigeria are now confirmed for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil. Nigerias Super Eagles come into this tune-up tie after dispatching Ethiopia in Calabar to win a place at next years World Cup on 4-1 aggregate having won the first leg 2-1 in Addis Ababa in October. The Italians sealed their place at the 2014 Mundial after a 2-2 draw against Armenia. And on Friday, the Azzurris of Italy played out a 1-1 draw in an international friendly with Germany at the San Siro in Milan. This Monday 18 november 2013, the African champions will test their strength against four-time world champions, Italy at the Craven Cottage in London. Head-to-head meetings It is the second time Italy and Nigeria will come face-to-face at the senior level. On July 5, 1994, the Italians downed the Super Eagles 2-1 in the round of 16 at the Fifa World Cup in the USA. Many Nigerians will not forget how the Eagles were two minutes away from a famous upset after Emmanuel Amuneke had scored first before Roberto Baggio equalised and then scored the winner in extra time. Interestingly, Nigeria head coach, Stephen Keshi and his assistant, Daniel Amokachi were part of the 1994 set. Theres no plan for a revenge. Its a test game for the team and we will treat it as such. At the same, well take it serious, Keshi said(up nigeria)
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 10:58:38 +0000