Nigeria to meet Atlético de Madrid in a friendly after the Europa League final
El Cholo Simeone's team travel to the African country for the first time to take on the Super Eagles in Uyo on 22 May.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will play host to Spanish LaLiga giants Atlético de Madrid in an international friendly match on 22 May at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The encounter, part of the first edition of the Gotv MAX Cup, was announced at a press conference organized by the video entertainment company MultiChoice Nigeria.
"We are delighted to bring one of the three biggest clubs from LaLiga to Nigeria in what we believe will be a historic visit," said Martin Mabutho, General Manager of MultiChoice Nigeria. "As you all know Atlético Madrid are one of the top clubs in LaLiga. GOtv customers and indeed, football fans in Nigeria, will have the rare opportunity of watching the stars play the Super Eagles right here on Nigerian soil."
The game will be held just six days after the Europa League final in Lyon, in which Atlético will be attempting to lift the trophy for the third time against French rivals, Olympique de Marseille.
"An historic announcement" – Tebas
LaLiga President Javier Tebas said of the meeting: "This is an historic announcement and we are excited to share this news with our Nigerian fans: Atlético de Madrid, one of LaLiga’s greatest clubs, will come to Nigeria and give our fans the chance to enjoy watching their stars up close. Africa and Nigeria in particular are very important for us and have a lot of love for Spanish football, something we are proud of."
World Cup warm-up
The friendly will also serve Nigeria as part of their preparations for 2018 World Cup Russia. The Super Eagles are in Group D at the tournament, alongside Argentina, Croatia, and Iceland.