Official : Argentina FA Announce Pre-World Cup Friendly With Nigeria In Krasnodar

The Argentine Football Association have announced a pre-World Cup friendly with three-time African champions Nigeria, ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The South American powerhouse will start their preparations for next summer's showpiece with a high-profile exhibition match against the Super Eagles in the Arena of FC Krasnodar on November 14.

The stadium, owned by FC Krasnodar of the Russian Premier League, has a capacity of 34,291 spectators.

Nigeria have met Argentina four times at the World Cup, losing by the odd goal in each of the matches.

In USA 94, Argentina, who were inspired by Diego Maradona, beat Nigeria 2-1 with Samson Siasia on target for the Africans, Argentina won their opening game in the 2002 World Cup 1–0 against Nigeria thanks to a second-half goal by Gabriel Batistuta.

Seven years ago in South Africa, Heinze's sixth minute goal proved to be the winner in their opener against Nigeria, while Ahmed Musa bagged a brace in a 3-2 loss to the two-time world champions at Estádio Beira-Rio, Porto Alegre in 2014.

Nigeria's last competitive match of 2017 comes away at Algeria on November 10.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel