Super Eagles: Nigeria’s World Cup opponents Croatia to play Brazil

The Croatian team is getting ready for their opening match against the Super Eagles

Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage opponents Croatia will play an international friendly match against Brazil in preparation for the tournament.

Nigeria was drawn alongside Croatia, Iceland and Argentina for the World Cup and Croatia take Nigeria in their opening fixture on Wednesday, June 16

The Croatians hope to test themselves against five tome World Cup winners Brazil in preparation for the game against South American rivals Argentina who they will come up against in their second group fixture.

Talks for the proposed friendly began in 2017 with several stadiums across England considered as venue for the encounter, However Anfield home of English Premier League side Liverpool will host the scheduled game between Croatia and Brazil on Sunday, June 3.

Brazil last played against Croatia in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The match between Croatia and Brazil comes up a day after the Super Eagles take on England in an international friendly game on Saturday, June 2.

The Croatians have been asked to pay attention to the Super Eagles by veteran defender Vedran Corluka, while fellow group opponents Argentina are to face Spain and Italy in warm up matches.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by Russia, and is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 14 and end on Sunday, July 15.