Kickoff: Monday June 17 at 9 p.m. (UK)/4 p.m. (ET)
Africa Cup of Nations winners Nigeria will today have a face-off with Oceana Champions Tahiti, in their first fixture schedule at the 2013 Confederations Cup taking place in Brazil. This tournament serves as a precursor to the much hyped FIFA World Cup Tournament, with Brazil still playing host to that.
Despite a hectic buildup to the competition in which the Nigerian national team reportedly went on strike in a row over bonus payments by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the expectations for the national team is nothing short of a win, a win expected to be by some considerable margin.
In a group where rivals Spain and Uruguay are anticipated to be the strongest of the four sides, racking up an impressive goal difference tally could prove important for the Super Eagles' qualification hopes.
Tahiti's pre-match press conference offered a clear indication of the challenges that lie ahead, with manager Eddy Etaeta discussing the fact that nine of his squad are currently unemployed. The rest, he said, were a mix of PE teachers, delivery men, accountants, or working in an assortment of other trades. Of their squad, only uncapped former France Under-21 striker Marama Vahirua plays football professionally. (AFP)
Just a goal at the tournament would mean a huge amount to the Tahitian side, who lost 7-0 to Chile's Under-20 squad just last week. It is likely, though, to come down to a matter of damage limitation over the next 10 days.
Recent Form:
TAHITI —Two wins, three losses (W-L-L-W-L)
NIGERIA —Two wins, three draws (W-D-D-W-D)
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