Ukraine versus Nigeria: Why we settled for Eagles–Shevchenko
Ukraine head coach, Andriy Shevchenko has revealed the inability to secure a friendly against a European opposition led to the choice of Nigeria.
The former AC Miland forward, however, heaped praises on the Nigeria side which he acknowledged parades players who ply their trade in the English Premier League.
“First of all, it is difficult to find a European team as a rival now, because everyone is involved in the qualifiers. There are very few national teams that do not play during this period. Some have planned their friendlies in advance,” Shevchenko said in an interview posted on the official website of the Ukraine Football Federation.
” So we found a very good team, the 2013 Africa Cup winners. The Nigeria national team is physically strong, with good performers, most of whom play in England. So tomorrow’s (tonight’s) match will be very interesting,” he told reporters.
Despite the nice words for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Ukraine has never lost to an African side in the last seven years.
Read Also: Shevchenko throws open Ukraine’s Monday training session to media, fans
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.30 pm Nigeria time.