Eagles To Play Mexico July 3

This was disclosed in a statement by the Communications Department of the Nigeria Football Federation, which was made available to our correspondent on Wednesday.

NFF’s FIFA match agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport said, “We are happy to be able to announce this match, which is a clash between two very big teams from two different continents. Mexico against Nigeria is a big match any day and the venue is class.”

The Mexico friendly comes a month after the Eagles play rivals Cameroon at the Wiener Neustadt, Vienna, Austria on June 4.

Eagles coach Gernot Rohr had released a 31-man provisional squad – including four uncapped players –for the Cameroon tie.

According to BBC, the NFF is faced with a financial crisis and owe Rohr six months salary, while players’ have not been paid bonuses and allowances in full.

“The financial problems during this pandemic have affected our sponsors hence their inability to pay,” an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told BBC.

“Most importantly the NFF has commenced an intervention to pay the coaches directly before the friendly matches.

“Sadly, we are also waiting for funds from the government to enable us to pay the outstanding allowances and bonuses the players are expecting.

“It’s unacceptable for people to be owed and embarrassing to owe them as a body.”

The July game would be the sixth time Nigeria would play against the North Americans.

Four of their previous five clashes ended in draws, with the only win coming Mexico’s way – a 2-1 victory in the US Gold Cup in Dallas, Texas June 24, 1995.

The match will be held at 3:30 am July 4 Nigerian time.