SOCCER: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed the Republic of Ireland will take on Nigeria in a friendly at Craven Cottage on May 29th, 2009.
Giovanni Trapattoni’s side remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying campaign, and after last week’s 2-1 win over Georgia at Croke Park they are joint top of Group 8 with World champions Italy.
When the Republic take on Nigeria at Fulham’s home ground in London they should face tough, yet familiar, opposition with players like John Obi Mikel, Obafemi Martins, and Fulham’s Dickson Etuhu expected to feature for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria (23rd) are the second highest ranked African side behind Cameroon (16th) in the Fifa World rankings and are currently six places above the Republic in 29th.
The friendly will serve as preparation for Ireland’s World Cup qualifying match away to Bulgaria a week later on June 6th. Before that though, Ireland will host Bulgaria in a crucial qualifier at Croke Park on March 28th, 2009, and visit Bari to face Italy four days later.
