Tosin Abayomi

Footballers all over the world joined in celebrating the festive period. The Christmas holiday is one in which believers celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Superstar footballers continued their tradition of posting family photos to celebrate the special occasion.

Here is how some of your favourite footballers are celebrating Christmas.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Pierre Emerick-Aubamenyang, Jamie Vardy, Bruno Fernandes, Kevin De Bruyne and other superstar footballers took time off the pitch to celebrate Christmas with their families and loved ones.

Here are captions along with their posts to celebrate the season.

Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo said, With a full heart, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Bayern Munich star striker Robert Lewandowski said, "Happy Holidays! May this season be full of unconditional love and laughter for you and your family. 🎄 Merry Christmas!

Manchester City midfield maestro Kevin DeDeBruyne said, "Merry Christmas from us to you."

Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes said, "The Fernandes family wish you a very merry Christmas&nbsp;

Here are photos below of how the superstars celebrated the Christmas holidays

Superstar footballers took to their official social media accounts to celebrate the birth of Christ

How some of your favourite footballers are celebrating Christmas [Photos]

The Golden Eaglets qualified for the final of the tournament <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-beat-niger-2-1-in-wafu-u-17-afcon-qualifiers-id8846943.html" id="3370ebda-f6ae-5c38-bda7-627f6e06e0e7">after a 2-1 win over Niger Republic in the semifinal</a>.

Their victory means that they set up a final match against West African rivals Ghana who beat Cote D' Ivoire in the other semifinal.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-get-gift-for-win-vs-niger-in-afcon-semi-final-id8845745.html" id="38b52349-2603-58bb-a130-5260865991f0">The Golden Eaglets were promised gifts and bonuses</a> should they scale the Niger Republic hurdle which they did and their performance has been rewarded.

Following the result of the game, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Tech committee chairman Ahmed fresh Yusuf redeemed his pledge by rewarding the players with one million Niara for their achievement.

The NFF administrator also promised the young side two million Naira and other bonuses if they can beat Ghana in the final.

The pledge was confirmed through a message on the NFF administration Twitter account.

The message read, "NFF Tech committee chairman @AhmedfreshYusuf fulfills his promise to the Eaglets, gives them a Million Naira for the win against Niger, and promises to reward them with 2Million Naira if they beat Ghana in Saturday's #AfconU17Q final."

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The Golden Eaglets will take on the Black starlets of Ghana in the final on Saturday, September 15 with the  winners of the WAFU Zone B representing the zone at the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Tanzania.

The NFF are making plans to ensure the Golden Eaglets are victorious against Ghana.

Golden Eaglets to get 2 million if they beat Ghana in the final

Kenya world cup 2018

After their victories of Seychelles and Liberia in an international friendly the Super Eagles will return to action against Libya in October.

The game against Libya in the AFCON qualifiers will be a double header which will go a long way to determine the teams that progress from the group.

The Super Eagles are currently third in group E of the qualification series behind Libya and South Africa who have four points each.

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/4785-48238/023100" id="a0255990-e04a-517b-bbfc-394f4ffe4c5c">Nigeria stats</a>

The NFF have however decided that Ahmadu Bello stadium is the most suitable for the must win game against Libya after the team spent majority of its 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

According to a report by Complete Sports, the venue for the game against Libya has been decided <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/rohr-inspects-ahmadu-bello-stadium-in-kaduna-for-libya-clash-id8761330.html" id="c00c4ebf-772d-5c66-a057-5e4aab8cc393">after Rohr inspected the facilities earlier in August</a> and the areas lacking in the stadium will be fixed before the encounter.

The report says, “I want to inform you that there is no issue about the venue for our match against Libya because we have decided to play at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna. Coach Rohr is satisfied with the facilities he inspected and he did not reject it as reported.

“We have informed CAF that the venue of the match with Libya will be Kaduna and we are not going back on that."

The report also confirm that any major flaw observed during inspection will be corrected before the game.

“What ever flaws observed during the inspection of the stadium will be put in place before the end of the month.”

The Super Eagles take on Libya in the first leg, before <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-of-nigeria-to-face-libya-in-algeria-2019-afcon-id8839559.html" id="727a4ee2-429e-5778-8157-d0c7b436e5da">they travel to Algeria to face Libya in the second leg also scheduled for October</a>.

The all important AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya will be played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna.

NFF confirm Kaduna to host next AFCON qualifier against Libya

The Golden Eaglets are hereby through to the final of the tournament against Ghana who beat Cote d’ Ivoire in the other semifinal.

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria took a giant step in qualifying for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating hosts Niger in the semi final of the regional qualification tournament.

The team led by Manu Garba qualified for the semifinal top of their group <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-beat-cote-d-ivoire-5-1-in-wafu-u-17-afcon-quali-id8821479.html" id="e924bf95-99e4-5e85-b342-e4029807c6f5">after a 5-1 thrashing of Cote D’ Ivoire in the second game</a> and continued in the same vein with victory over Niger in a crucial semifinal encounter.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-manu-garba-says-u-17-players-to-have-mri-test-id8669037.html" id="51b73091-1e6b-53a0-a84f-c5129d5ba736">Coach </a> named a string side for the must win game and it included Akinkunmi Amoo who was the tormentor in chief against Cote D' Ivoire.

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The game started at a frantic pace with both sides looking to establish dominance from the blast of the whistle.

The Golden Eaglets were not intimidated by the home crowd that were gathered in the stadium.

Amoo was the danger man for the Golden Eaglets with a free kick of the wood work in the seventh minute and  long range strike in the 11th minute.

He however will score the games opener when he latched on to a pass by Muhammad Ibrahim in the 43rd minute to send the Golden Eaglets a goal ahead by halftime.

Olakunle Olusegun doubled the lead for the Golden Eaglets when he curled a brilliant effort past the Niger goalkeeper in the 58 minute.

The Niger side brought themselves back into contention with a late goal before extra time but was not enough as the Golden Eaglets held on for the win.

The Golden Eaglets will hope to continue their winning ways in the final as their only defeat in the competition <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-lose-3-2-to-burkina-faso-in-wafu-b-u-17-afcon-id8807258.html" id="2999b6dd-402b-5835-b3b4-ad801b7cc82b">is a 3-2 loss to Burkina Faso in the opener</a>.

Following their victory over Niger Republic in the semifinal, they will face the Black starlets of Ghana in the competition.

Ghana finished first in the other group and met Cote' Ivoire who finished runners-up in Nigeria's group.

The final will hold on Saturday, September 15 with the  winners of the WAFU Zone B representing the zone at the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Tanzania.

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have booked a place in the final of the 2018 WAFU Zone B U-17 AFCON.

Golden Eaglets beat Niger 2-1 progress to final

The team led by Manu Garba qualified for the semifinal top of their group <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-beat-cote-d-ivoire-5-1-in-wafu-u-17-afcon-quali-id8821479.html" id="e924bf95-99e4-5e85-b342-e4029807c6f5">after a 5-1 thrashing of Cote D’ Ivoire in the second game</a>.

Ahead of the semifinal clash with host country Niger Republic the Nigeria Football Federation are making plans to ensure the young boys succeed in the qualification series.

They started the tournament by <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-lose-3-2-to-burkina-faso-in-wafu-b-u-17-afcon-id8807258.html" id="e653eb5b-cd85-5144-8c5b-f91453f5b50b">losing 3-2 to Burkina Faso in their opener</a> but have recovered well to advance to the next round top of their group.

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A message posted on the official Twitter account of the Federation assured the players that their efforts will not go unrewarded but need a victory to continue their push for the final.

The message of encouragement was by NFF Technical Committee Chairman Ahmed fresh Yusuf.

The post read, "NFF Technical Committee Chairman @AhmedfreshYusuf charges Eaglets to go for the win against host Niger. Promises personal gifts and their qualifying bonuses."

The Golden Eaglets will take on Niger in the semifinal on Wednesday, September 12 Kick off 7PM Nigerian time with the winners set to face off with the winners of the other semifinal who play on Sunday.

Either Cote d’ Ivoire who finished runners-up or Ghana who were the other group winners will advance to the final after their semifinal fixture on Thursday.

Golden Eaglets vs Niger Line up and watch Live updates

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The Golden Eaglets team list to face Niger

The winners of the WAFU Zone B will represent the zone at the 2019 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to hold in Tanzania.

The NFF administration have promised to fulfil all outstanding bonuses should the Golden Eaglets beat Niger.

Golden Eaglets to get gifts if they beat Niger in semi-final

The <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/liberia-1-vs-2-nigeria-super-eagles-win-friendly-id8842208.html" id="660046de-e857-5ac3-84d6-27bd7f77f475">Super Eagles laboured to a 2-1 win over Liberia</a>at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex on Tuesday, September 11.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/henry-onyekuru-happy-with-first-goal-in-liberia-1-vs-nigeria-2-id8842244.html" id="4f56463b-f4ed-5034-aa0f-a029dd693935">Goals from </a> and Simy Nwankwo in the first half were enough to give the Super Eagles victory despite a late goal by Liberia.

Ogu who did not feature in a single game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and also the 3-0 win over Seychelles in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The 29-year-old was a surprise choice by Rohr as captain for the encounter but given the amount of time and experience he has with the national team, he was the obvious choice.

Ogu played as a member of the three-man defense and also mixed up with defensive midfield during the encounter as Nigeria came out with a win their second after the World Cup.

The midfielder took to his official Instagram account to reveal his happiness about captaining Nigeria to victory which he described as a dream come true to meet the President of Liberia who was the opposing captain and also hailed the talent of his teammates.

He said, “Don’t wake me up from this dream. Captain the Super Eagles of Nigeria with such Wonderful talents in a game against Liberia with the President of Liberia on the pitch and the only African player to win the Ballon d or.I will never forget this day in my life .. i feel blessed.”

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Ogu will return to action for Hapoel Beer Sheva FC in an Israel Premier League encounter against FC Ashdod on Saturday, September 15

The midfielder is expected to be part of the Rohr squad for the <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-of-nigeria-to-face-libya-in-algeria-2019-afcon-id8839559.html" id="71405db1-e78f-5652-97a4-2617d0a0d543">next AFCON qualifiers doubleheader against Libya in October</a>.

In the absence of Mikel Obi and Ahmed Musa, Gernot Rohr gave John Ogu the chance to Captain Nigeria.

'Don't wake me up from this dream' Ogu says after captaining Super Eagles in friendly game

Jayden who is unknown to the football community in Nigeria is highly rated in South Africa where he was part of the youth team set up.

Born to Nigerian parents, Jayden grew up in South Africa but has also spent some time in the United Kingdom.

According to a report by the Sun, Jayden expressed his delight at completing a move to Arsenal’s youth team from SuperSport United Soccer School.

In the report, he expressed his gratitude to God almighty and his parents who have supported him.

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/352770-54571-42/033100" id="697f63dd-d0fe-5719-87d5-a35225d0b782">Alex Iwobi stats</a>

He said, "I thank God and my parents for this. I am very happy.

"I train three times a week at the academy and we have a match at the weekend.”

He also revealed that he is an Arsenal supporter which makes the move a dream move at a young age.

He said, "The amazing thing is, I have always been an Arsenal fan and I will work hard every day to make the first team."

Jayden’s father John was also enthusiastic about the recent development and stated that his elder brothers are also prospects to look out for in the future.

He said, "Jayden's older brother spent three years at the Blackburn Rovers Academy and recently signed with Ebbsfleet United Academy.

"Our middle son is also playing football and recently signed with a local team."

Jayden revealed that his role models in football are <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/alex-iwobi-makes-100th-appearance-in-arsenal-3-west-ham-1-id8770216.html" id="e04e16bd-5cfe-5a48-a6de-3d02c73b73bb">undefined</a>who plays for the Arsenal first team and five-time World Player of the Year <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-earns-more-than-any-player-in-serie-a-id8812457.html" id="86d2a476-c84f-53b6-bf90-9ebaf8cf5b71">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.

He said, "Ronaldo because of his hard work, and Iwobi because he was at the Arsenal academy at the age of seven and now plays for the first team."

Still nine years old, Jayden is tipped to be a superstar given the potential he showcased which prompted Arsenal to acquire him to their youth set up for future purposes.

Another talented Nigerian youngster will continue his development at Arsenal's youth set up.

Arsenal sign 9-year-old Nigerian from South Africa

The Super Eagles laboured to their second consecutive victory after a 3-0 win over Seychelles in a 2019 Africa Cup of Cup (AFCON) qualifier.

After four previous appearances for the senior national team Henry Onyekuru has finally opened his goal account for the Super Eagles.

The 21-year-old and Simy Nwankwo were the goalscorers on the day to give Nigeria victory over their West African rivals in difficult conditions.

Onyekuru scored the opening goal for the Super Eagles with a well placed curler which was unstoppable by the keeper.

After his performance in the encounter, Onyekuru took to official Instagram account to express his delight about the achievement, with a message accompanying a video clip of his goal.

He said, "1st Goal for my country! I’m so blessed to be off the mark with my fellow."

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/henry-onyekuru-joins-galatasaray-on-loan-from-everton-id8611076.html" id="6e1a4fc1-110b-5a25-b818-17c4aa9121bb">Onyekuru who is on loan at Galatasaray from </a> is slowly becoming a key component of the Super Eagles squad especially after the retirement of Chelsea star Victor Moses.

The youngster is expected to be included in Gernot Rohr's team for the AFCON double header against Libya in October.

Henry Onyekuru finally found the back of the net for the Super Eagles against Liberia.

Galatasaray forward happy to score first Super Eagles goal

Rakitic is international colleagues with Modric for Croatia and plays alongside Messi for Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona.

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/12994-55917-2817/033100" id="35285320-b275-5dbc-9a86-5213438b1629">Lionel Messi stats</a>

Modric who won the 2018 UEFA Player of the Year award is favourite to land the FIFA award after <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/ronaldo-modric-and-salah-are-final-shortlist-for-fifa-best-id8805084.html" id="af987253-bc45-59a1-936d-7bbaef35ce4f">the final three-man shortlist was announced</a>.

Rakitic who plays with both stars for club and country decided to go for his national team captain when asked who deserves the accolade.

The 31-year-old explained in a report by the that Messi is the best player in the world but the award is judged based on performance in a single year which for him Modric outshines his Barcelona colleague.

He said, “For me, in general, the best player of the world and maybe the greatest of all time is Leo Messi. It's easy, you take a boy, and nine of 10 boys are going to say the same.”

Rakitic also hinted that even Messi will agree that Modric deserves the all the accolades he is getting.

He said, “But I think it was the year of Luka, sincerely, I think it's something that Leo and all the people know, he [Modric] deserves all the awards.”

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/15466-48582-4715/033100" id="a765f464-8d18-58f1-a4ec-f608ac6c4c6b">Luka Modric</a>

Rakitic says his opinion is not to help Modric gain popular attention as his performances over the course of the year has seen he stands head above shoulders of anyone after <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/world-cup-2018-modric-teammates-get-massive-welcome-in-croatia-id8625990.html" id="f6482930-3ba6-58b1-a7dd-9fc2bc51c6ed">a wonderful world cup performance</a>.

He concluded, “Sincerely if he received the award of the best European player... I don't know what he has to do to be the best player in the world, with all he did.

“I don't need to help him as a good friend of his as I am, he made everything on himself, nobody gave him anything. For me, it's clear that it has to be Luka [for The Best award].”

Rakitic is on international duty and is expected to return to Barcelona to join <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/lionel-messi-takes-sons-thiago-mateo-to-school-in-barcelona-id8820227.html" id="92b164b7-97d2-5f85-9411-3a2caaf9b5ba">Messi</a> for their next La Liga clash against Real Sociedad on Saturday, September 15.

Despite playing alongside Messi at Barcelona, Rakitic believes his Croatian teammate Modric is the best player in the world.

Barcelona star says Modric deserves FIFA World Player of the Year award ahead of Messi

Iwobi and Ndidi are two of the youngest players in the Super Eagles squad and have joined the popular musician's Starboy movement.

Both players who were part Super Eagles squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup are not the first two model the new jersey.

Iwob's teammate <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/pierre-emerick-aubameyang-rocks-wizkids-new-jersey-id8786256.html" id="01e5ba65-9aa6-537a-afd5-72e4d9621950">Arsenal's </a> through a post on his official Instagram account.

The Super Eagles duo are however the first to show off the jersey after the official launch on Monday, September 10 by International sportswear giants Nike.

Iwobi who is not among the players that reported for national duty with the Super Eagles for the AFCON qualifier against Seychelles or the friendly against Liberia posted a picture of him in the merchandise along with a message which said, "S T A R B O Y, Together Let’s Push &amp; Create Something Iconic."

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His international teammate Ndidi put of a post of him in the merchandise before the official launch.

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Wizkid already confirmed that his jersey in partnership with Nike was sold out in less than 10 minutes with hints at a successful collaboration.

Iwobi and Ndidi are however not the first Super Eagles star to show off the material, as <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/kelechi-iheanacho-oghenekaro-etebo-show-off-wizkid-new-jersey-id8792819.html" id="3c6c4382-c670-51a2-b538-ed717dc2d3af">Leicester City</a> earlier modelled the merchandise.

Following the launch of Wizkid's new merchandise Iwobi and Ndidi are the latest Super Eagles stars to model the jersey.

Super Eagles stars rock Wizkid's new jersey

The Libya Football Federation (LFF) have confirmed the venue of the fixture for their next home game against Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are drawn alongside Libya, South Africa and Seychelles in group E of the AFCON qualifiers.

The Mediterranean Knights of Libya are top of the group on goal difference ahead of South Africa while the Super Eagles are third on the log.

The first leg encounter will be held in Nigeria with the second leg to be hosted by Libya.

Libya, however, cannot host games in their country following a ban by World football governing boy FIFA in 2011 due to the civil war.

Adel Al-Khumisi managing director of Libya has however revealed that Algeria is the next destination for their next clash.

He made the announcement for the anticipated clash on Monday but did not reveal the actual venue the game will take place.

Gernot Rohr’s team face Libya in a doubleheader which could go a long way to determine the qualifiers from the group.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/south-africa-0-libya-0-in-2019-afcon-qualifiers-group-e-id8828777.html" id="2011c429-632c-5f97-b3cc-ee455170ea1b">Libya played out a 0-0 draw away at South Africa</a> in the second group  fixture and their 5-1 victory against Seychelles in their group opener played at the Petro Sport, Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

The away AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Libya will be played in Algeria due to a FIFA Ban.

Super Eagles to face Libya in Algeria

The 30-year-old is not included in Lionel Scaloni's team for the international friendlies against Colombia and Guatemala.

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/17094-54571-17/033100" id="c35eef09-263e-5a10-bda5-ec06529ccf30">Aguero stats</a>

The striker who has scored three goals for Manchester City in their four Premier League games against Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Newcastle United.

Aguero used the spare time on his hands to explore as he posted pictures of his adventure to his 10.3million followers on his official Instagram game.

<a href="https://sja.sportradar.com/w/Pulse/17-54571/023100" id="26229312-0b18-5571-bd0f-8e246d177c8b">Manchester City</a>

On the holiday trip to Greece Mykonos, Aguero sort the companion of a close friend to spice up his trip.

Aguero was on the paddleboarding on the picture posted on his Instagram account, while his story picture contained scenes from his luxury yacht where he jumped out into the sea.

The Manchester City star has been on an enjoyment row, following <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/manchester-citys-sergio-aguero-smokes-shisha-with-lola-magnin-id8780726.html" id="61cb8ad3-92bb-5774-895e-2c64c56d19b7">his hangout with 18-year-old model </a>.

Aguero looked relaxed from the sun heat and ocean around him in his attire.

He also was at the Formula One Grand Prix and <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/sergio-aguero-hangs-out-with-justin-timberlake-in-manchester-id8797913.html" id="79a740a9-6b5a-5841-b09b-d1297f83a9c9">caught up with international music superstar </a>.

He is expected to return to training soon as Pep Guardiola’s team resume their Premier League campaign against Fulham scheduled for Saturday, September 15.

Sergio Aguero is enjoying his time off is Greece as he was not called up by Argentina for the international break.

Manchester City striker jumps off boat in Greece

Awaziem was among the starting line up for the Super Eagles as they recorded <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/seychelles-0-vs-3-nigeria-super-eagles-win-in-afcon-qualifier-id8829074.html" id="e56e4c27-5e3b-5bfd-846a-1a3fc1259e0d">a 3-0 win away to Seychelles</a> in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier played on Saturday, September 8.

The 21-year-old,  scored Nigeria’s second goal of the encounter, with Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo the other goalscorers for the Super Eagles.

Awaziem, however, could not complete the game as an injury forced him to be withdrawn in the 73rd minute for <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/semi-ajayi-profile-on-super-eagles-new-defender-vs-seychelles-id8817321.html" id="57b8b35b-e682-57bf-a05a-c391350e64a8">new boy </a>.

There have been fears about his availability for the next game against Liberia after the injury looked serious, Awaziem has, however, come out to dismiss reports that he may be out for a long time.

In a report by Competes Sports, Awaziem assured of his of his readiness Lone Stars Of Liberia.

He said, “The knock is no problem, I just landed on it in the second half and the physio has looked at it and said it’s fine and I’ll be fine for the next game.”

He also gave his opinion about the Super Eagles performance against Seychelles in the report.

He said, “It was a good performance from the whole team and we fully deserved the three points. We knew it was a very important game and that we had to try and win – and we managed to do that.

“We controlled the game and played some great football. We took our chances and deserved the three points.”

The Super Eagles <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-to-play-liberia-saudi-arabia-friendly-cancelled-id8822356.html" id="4da03a85-5527-5fa4-8000-96234469e08e">take on Liberia after the proposed Saudi Arabia encounter was called off</a>.

The game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 11 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, Kick off 7 PM Nigerian time.

Despite a knock in the game against Seychelles, Chidozie Awaziem is ready to feature against Liberia.

Super Eagles defender fit for Liberia friendly

The last result in the group saw Cote D’ Ivoire beat Burkina Faso 3-0 to book their spot in the next round.

The result between the other two opponents meant that the Golden Eaglets progressed to the semifinal as group winners <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/golden-eaglets-lose-3-2-to-burkina-faso-in-wafu-b-u-17-afcon-id8807258.html" id="0278435d-5fd4-58dc-8586-b60896433dcb">despite losing 3-2 to Burkina Faso in their opener</a>.

The result also meant that Cote’D Ivoire finished as group runners-up to Nigeria while Burkina Faso crashed out in the opening round.

AS group winners the Golden Eaglets will face off with host Niger who finished second in the other group.

While Cote d’ Ivoire who finished runners-up will play Ghana who were the other group winners.

The game between Ghana and Cote d’ Ivoire on Wednesday, while the other semifinal between the Golden Eaglets and Niger will take place Thursday, September 11 with the winners set to face off in the final.

The Golden Eaglets progressed from the group stage despite defeat in their opening game.

Golden Eaglets to face Niger in semi-final

The NFF administration hinted that the Super Eagles of <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-to-play-saudi-arabia-friendly-after-seychelles-id8767022.html" id="4b982ed9-9b54-5a22-8594-686a390c9a3e">Nigeria may play an international friendly game with Asian powerhouse Saudi Arabia</a>after their all-important 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Seychelles.

The Amaju Pinnick led NFF were however unable to get the negotiation process over the line according to AllNigeriasoccer.

According to several reports the NFF have however made arrangements for the Super Eagles to partake in a friendly before the players depart to their various clubs.

Following the conclusion of the AFCON game against Seychelles, the Super Eagles will take a flight directly to Liberia where they will face their host in Monrovia on Tuesday, September 11.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/sports/football/super-eagles-boss-reveals-squad-seychelles-vs-nigeria-id8765664.html" id="171304b8-92e4-5dc6-ba4f-3101538888da">The players invited for the Seychelles games</a> will participate in the encounter against Liberia.

The Liberians however also have an AFCON qualifier at home to DR Congo on Sunday, September 9.

They lost their first game of the qualification series to table topper Zimbabwe and need points to keep their hopes of progressing alive.

The Super Eagles have come up against Liberia on 13 occasions with two defeats, three draws and eight victories.

The squad called up of the qualifiers against DR Congo will also be used for the game against Nigeria.

Nigeria will face Liberia in a friendly as the initial proposed encounter with Saudi Arabia could not be agreed on.

NFF cancel Saudi Arabia friendly, set up Liberia as replacement

<h1>European football governing body have officially revealed the official match ball for the new tournament called the</h1>