By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sports
BBC Sports
The Super Eagles will file out against Kenya on 29 March |
Original plans for the Super Eagles to face Zambia were shelved after officials expressed concerns about logistical problems.
But the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has sealed a deal to play Kenya, much to the delight of the players and coaching staff.
"I can confirm that we've struck a deal to bring the Kenyans to Abuja for the friendly," NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told BBC Sport.
"And we are very pleased to get an opponent that will appeal to fans and equally give the technical crew stiff competition."
Both sides last met in November 2009 when Nigeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 win against the Harambee Stars in Nairobi.
The Super Eagles had to win to have any chance of denying Tunisia.
They fought back from 1-0 down to lead 2-1, but conceded a 79th-minute equaliser, only for Obafemi Martins to seal an emotional win.
After failing to secure friendly games in the United States and in Malta for the team, Nigeria is now expected to face the Kenyans two days after a crucial 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.
Kenya are also expected to arrive Nigeria on Monday 28 March after their own qualifying game against Guinea Bissau in Nairobi.
"The logistics have been sorted out by both parties and it was clear that the Kenyans wanted to play us.
They are just as excited as we are about the match," Olajire said.
"We want Nigeria fans to see the players pit themselves against an opponent that is equally challenging for a ticket to next year's Nations Cup.
"This is going to be a great match and a fantastic occasion. I know that [coach] Samson Siasia and the team will put on a show that will make the country proud."
It will be the second friendly under new coach Siasia, the team were booed at the Lagos stadium after Sierra Leone scored against the Eagles in a friendly, which ended 2-1 in favour of the home team.
Nigeria are trailing group leaders Guinea by three points in their qualifying group.
They have three points after two matches, level with Ethiopia.
Madagascar are the other team in this qualifying pool with only the eventual group winners guaranteed an automatic berth to next year's Nations Cup to be jointly hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
By BBC
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