It has been confirmed that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face The Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly encounter which will be much anticipated across the African continent. The friendly was confirmed by the Egypt Football Association which announced that the Pharaohs will play Nigeria in a friendly on March 26. BBC African Footballer of the Year, Mohamed Salah, would likely take part in the match.

The match will be played in Nigeria during the international break in March and will serve as perfect preparation for both nations who have already qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), but will play their final qualifying games ahead of the friendly encounter. Nigeria host Seychelles in Group E while Egypt travel to face Niger Republic in Group J.

Egypt and Nigeria met in 2017 Nations Cup qualifying with The Pharaohs earning a 1-1 draw away from home before winning 1-0 in Alexandria to qualify for the finals ahead of the Super Eagles. It will be the 18th meeting between the two sides with Nigeria holding the upper-hand having won seven times to Egypt’s five wins, with another five matches drawn.

Earlier, Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick hinted at the friendly when he told the media that Nigeria would face one of the top three teams in Africa as part of preparation for AFCON 2019. Pinnick also stated that the friendly would be played sometime in March.