A fresh talking point has emerged ahead of Tuesday’s exhibition friendly match between the home-based Eagles and Atletico Madrid of Spain, as observers have reasoned that the visitors’ coach, Diego Simeone could get key points about the Nigerians for his country, Argentina.
Nigeria and Argentina are billed to clash on June 26 in Saint-Petersburg, Russia, the fifth time in the history of World Cup group games, such that analysts believe Simeone could use the experience of Tuesday’s friendly to give tactical updates to his compatriots.
Though the match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo will involve Nigeria’s B-squad, the Eagles would be handed by the team’s assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, such that some approaches of the technical adviser, Gernot Rohr would be used by the crew.
That should, therefore, provide Argentina with useful updates from their former player, Simeone, who is expected to arrive Nigeria on Monday for the first time in his career.
He will land at Abuja International Airport with a 23-man squad that will include Felipe Luiz, Torres Belen Juan Francisco, Angel Martin Correa, Victor Perez and Thomas Patey.
Highly rated goalkeeper, Jan Oblak is also expected in the squad, after his performance in their 3-0 Europa League victory over French side, Olympique Marseille last Wednesday.
Atletico have enjoyed an impressive season, finishing second above their local rivals, Real Madrid, though behind Barcelona in the Spanish La Liga, and are expected to thrill the Nigerian crowd on Tuesday.
