CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Battery will take on the Nigerian Olympic team in an international exhibition this summer at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta, Georgia. The two teams will meet on July 16th, three weeks before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and ten days after the Battery’s match with Rangers FC.
The Rio Games will be Nigeria’s seventh appearance at the Olympics. Nigeria won the gold medal twenty years ago at the 1996 iteration of the Games in Atlanta and finished second in 2008 in Beijing, making it one of only two African countries to medal at the Olympics in soccer.
Coach Anhaeuser commented, “We’re excited to play against the number one U23 team in Africa. The match gives us an opportunity to play against a team that will be competing for a gold medal in August while we get to see some of the most talented young players in Nigeria.”
Olympic men’s soccer teams are made up of U23 players and three overage players. Nigeria hasn’t named its squad yet, but it’s likely Arsenal striker Alex Iwobi will be involved. The 19-year old made 13 appearances and scored two goals for Arsenal in his first year with the senior team in 2016. Iwobi played for England at the youth level before electing to play for Nigeria at the senior level, making his full debut in 2015.
Watford striker Odion Ingahlo has been named as one of the three overage players that will travel to Rio. The 27-year old attacker has scored 32 goals in 64 appearances in the Championship and English Premiere League over the last two years with Watford.
Nigeria head coach Samson Siasia commented, “It’s important for us to have as much playing time as possible before going to Rio so we can evaluate our players. We won our gold medal in Atlanta in 1996, so playing there this summer will bring back good memories. The environment will bring out the distinctive playing style Nigeria is known for.”
The international friendly will provide fans of Atlanta United FC, the Battery’s MLS affiliate, with an opportunity to see the team’s first signing in history play in person. The match against Nigeria will be the first time goalkeeper Alex Tambakis takes the field in Atlanta. In addition to Tambakis, Atlanta United Academy players could feature in the match for the Battery. Recently signed Atlanta United Homegrown player Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin made appearances for Charleston during preseason in February.
The match kicks off at 8:00pm on July 16th at Silverbacks Park. Battery fans can purchase discounted tickets HERE or by visiting http://unitedsoccerafrica.com and applying the promo code BATTERY20 after selecting seats. Sections 102 and 103 of the stadium are designated as away sections.
Top Image: Gilson Borba Photo
