Ukraine Legend Shevchenko Reveals Why Super Eagles Were Selected For Friendly Game

Published: September 09, 2019

Manager Andriy Shevchenko has explained the rationale behind the decision to face an African country, Nigeria in a friendly despite the fact the Ukrainian team is preparing for the 2020 European Championship.

One of the in-form teams in Europe at the moment, Ukraine put three goals past Lithuania in their latest fixture, a result which keeps them in firm control to qualify for the European Championship.

''First of all, this is due to the fact that a lot of matches are being held now, there is a selection, and most teams are just participating in official matches,'' said Shevchenko to Football TV channel.

''This date is not a day of friendly games, so finding a European opponent was very difficult. Therefore, the Association chose to play with the African team.

''This is a very good team. It will be interesting to play against them."

Shevchenko is expected to hand run-outs to fringe players in the squad in the game against Nigeria which will begin at the Dnipro Arena at 2130 hours local time.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel