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Nigeria battles FIFA over Bafana Friendly

Nigeria still hopes to convince world football governing body FIFA to approve a proposed friendly against Bafana Bafana of South Africa next month
Nigeria vs South Africa in the 2015 AFCON Qualifier Match, played in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2014

Nigeria and South Africa last played in a 2015 AFCON qualifier in November 2014 in Uyo, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Nigeria still hopes to convince world football governing body FIFA to approve a proposed friendly against Bafana Bafana of South Africa next month, top officials have specially informed AfricanFootball.com

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) intends to stage three friendlies during the FIFA-friendly window next month as all hands are now on deck to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, which begin in October.

The Bafana friendly is to be played in Lagos with home-based players.

A top official told AfricanFootball.com that FIFA are not disposed to Nigeria playing three matches during the friendly window as it will be “an unfair way” for Nigeria to improve their FIFA rankings.

However, the NFF said the match against South Africa will be played by only players drawn from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

“We still hope to convince FIFA to allow us play the match in Lagos,” another official disclosed.

Nigeria and South Africa last played in a 2015 AFCON qualifier in November 2014 in Uyo, which ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

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