HarEcuador head coach Gustavo Alfaro has explained what he expects from his players when they face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their international friendly game at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on Thursday at 8:30pm ET [1:30 am, Friday, June 3, Nigerian time].
Ecuador will face the Eagles as part of preparations ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Alfaro’s side are in Group A at this year’s World Cup alongside hosts Qatar, Netherlands and reigning AFCON champions Senegal.
The South American team will be looking for a first win November 2021, as they have gone five consecutive games without a win (four draws, one defeat).
On their part, the Eagles go into the encounter on the back of four games without a win, drawing two and losing two.
Also Read: South African Club Banned For Life After Beating Opponent 59-1
Their recent defeat was against Mexico which ended 2-1 in Dallas in the early hours of Sunday.
And Alfaro says he expects his players to show against the Eagles that they really deserve a place at the World Cup.
“These matches are very important
because we will face rivals that play in a similar way to the teams we will play in the World Cup,” Alfaro was quoted on Ecuador Football Federation (FEF) website.
“Nigeria is an African rival much like senegal. We have a great Commitment and responsibility to represent the dreams of an entire country and the players must show me on the field that they deserve a place in the World Cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, FEF revealed that three players have joined their camp ahead of the friendly against the Eagles.
The players are Carlos Gruezo, Jordy Caicedo and Byron Castillo while goalkeeper Moisés Ramirez is yet to arrive due to visa issues.
It disclosed that the team will enjoy massive support from the Ecuadorians community in the United States as they have been showing support to the players at their camp and during training.
They also revealed that organizers of the friendly match have reported that the tickets for the Ecuador vs Nigeria game are sold out.
The game against the Eagles would be the first of three games scheduled in the United States tour for Ecuador.
After facing the Eagles, their next game will be on Sunday, June 5 against Mexico in Chicago and the last will be on Saturday, June 11 against Cape Verde in Fort Lauderdale.
Copyright © 2024 Completesports.com All rights reserved. The information contained in Completesports.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the prior written authority of Completesports.com.
COMMENTS
Pls what time is the game and any link ?
1:30am.
http://www.hesagoal.com