Eagles to face stiff Catalonian test
by George Akpayen 21 November 2012, 12:04
Nigeria's Super Eagles are booked to confront Catalonia at the Cornella-El Prat Stadium on January 2.
The game is already listed on the official website of the the Catalan Football Federation (FCF).
The Assistant Director, Media of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ademola told supersport.com that talks are ongoing between the Catalan federation and its West African counterpart.
"There will be a match of that kind. The (Nigerian) federation is still in discussion (with the Catalan federation) and it would have to be ratified first and then a deal is agreed and signed before we can say it is a done deal," said Olajire.
Further reports emerging from the Catalonia region stated that the team will be coached by Johan Cruyff.
It is understood that Spanish La Liga clubs, FC Barcelona and Espanyol have agreed to the January 2 date with the president of the Catalan Football Federation, Andreu Subies.
Both clubs will supply most of the players for the Catalonian team to face Nigeria, four days before the Spanish La Liga resumes from the Yuletide break.
Among players expected to feature for Catalonia are goalkeeper Victor Valdes, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Bojan Krkic, Isaac Cuenca, Sergio Garcia, Martin Montoya and Joan Verdu.
The FCF expects Nigeria to parade their strongest squad as they will use the game to prepare for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
On December 22, 1998, Catalonia's La Seleccio defeated the Super Eagles in their first-ever confrontation in a friendly match by 5-0 at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, Montjuic.
