The match is the first in a series of three friendly matches that Ecuador will take part in throughout the United States.
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Ecuador will take on Nigeria in an international friendly at the Red Bull Arena, in New Jersey on Thursday night. The match is the first in a series of three friendly matches that Ecuador will take part in throughout the United States. La Tri will face Mexico on Sunday before playing Cape Verde a week later. Both sides are heading into the contest on the back of some not so great results. Ecuador haven’t tasted victory in their last five matches while the Super Eagles have failed to win in their last four outings across all competitions.
Training! Countdown to Thursday’s international friendly against Ecuador. #SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/CzGafW5GZI
— ?? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 31, 2022
Ecuador’s most recent meeting on March 30, against Argentina on home turf ended 1-1. Enner Valencia metted a last-ditch equaliser to cancel out Julian Alvarez’ opener at the Estadio Monumental. It was an impressive result for Ecuador against the Copa America champions. La Tri have picked up four draws and lost one since last November’s 2-0 win over Chile. Gustavo Alfaro’s side qualified for the World Cup finals in Qatar, finishing fourth in the 10-team South American qualification table. Ecuador picked up 26 points from 18 games, two points above fifth placed Peru. Meanwhile La Tri are unbeaten in their last six home games, picking up three draws and three wins.
On the other hand, Nigeria started the international friendlies with a 2-1 loss to Mexico on Sunday. Cyriel Dessers canceled out Santiago Gimenez’ opener before Watford defender William Troost-Ekong scored an own goal to hand the win to El Tri. Meanwhile the Super Eagles won’t be making an eighth consecutive appearance in the World Cup finals later this year after losing to Ghana on away goal rules in March. The West African side haven’t tasted victory in 10 consecutive friendlies.
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Ecuador head coach Alfaro has called up 25 players for the three friendlies scheduled for this month. Robert Arboleda is likely to partner Piero hincapie at the heart of the defence while Leandro Campana, who scored 7 goals in 14 games for Inter Miami could lead the attack. Caicedo, Alexander Alvarado and Alan Franco couldl form the three-man midfield.
As for Nigeria, last game’s goal-scorer Dessers is likely to start up front. Joe Aribo should retain his place in the middle of the park after an impressive performance against Mexico. Meanwhile Everton’s Alex Iwobi and Stoke City’s Oghene Etebo are likely to be deployed in the midfield.
Ecuador probable starting lineup: Galindez, Castillo, Hincapie, Arboleda, Estupinan, franco, Caicedo, Alvarado, Plata, Campana, Valencia.
Nigeria probable starting lineup: Uzoho, Bassey, ajayi, Troost-Ekong, Awazuem, Etobo, Aribo, Iwobi, Simon, Dessers, Moffi
The international friendly between Ecuador and Nigeria will take place at the Red Bull Arena and it will kick off at 6:00 am IST on Friday, Jun 3, 2022
The match will be live streamed on VAVEL USA.
