Arsenal to play against Super Eagles in Abuja

Arsenal FC have concluded plans to test their full team against the Super Eagles of Nigeria as part of their 2012-13 pre-season preparations. 

 The game has been scheduled for Abuja on August 5. 

Arsenal have never played a West African side though they have paraded many West Africans in their side amongst whom is former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kano, Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor and they currently have Cameroonian midfielder Alexandre Song in their team. 

 Nigeria is currently ranked 60 in the latest Fifa rankings and will face an Arsenal side which finished third last season in the English Premier League. 

 DanJan Sports, the promoters of the Arsenal tour, have finalised agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). “We are delighted to announce that Arsenal Football Club will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in Abuja," David Omigie of DanJan Sports said.

The NFF have agreed that the country will present a strong side as Coach Stephen Keshi continues his development process. Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager, will also use this game to showcase his full squad for the 2012-13 football season. 

The London club traditionally hosts an annual pre-season tournament at the Emirates Stadium, but they opted to postpone the event for a year because of the 2012 London Olympics. 

The visit to Nigeria will conclude Arsenal's pre-season tour after playing in both China and Malaysia in July. 

 Arsenal FC stated on their website that; “The club last visited Africa during a tour to South Africa in July 1993, and is returning as a result of the fantastic support which exists for the team, not only in Nigeria, but across the entire continent.

 Meanwhile, DanJan Sports also revealed that tickets for the upcoming friendly match with Nigeria will go on sale from July 4 across outlets to be announced soon. 

 In July 2008, they brought Manchester United and Portsmouth to Abuja for a pre-season friendly. As well as the match between the two, Portsmouth also played against Kano Pillars, a Nigeria Premier League side.

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