The USA (USMNT) vs Nigeria international pre-World Cup friendly will be played this Saturday, June 7, 2014 (3:00 PM Pacific) at the EverBank Field in Jacksonville. The United States National Team will play their final ‘open-to-the-public’ friendly prior to the start of the FIFA Brazil 2014 World Cup which is set to begin on June 12. The USMNT will also face Belgium at the start of the competition on June 12, although that friendly will be a warm-up match and closed-door.
The team coached by Jurgen Klinsmann is nearing its final stages of preparation, to what they hope will be a positive and memorable Brazil 2014. The USMNT have not lost in their previous two warm-up matches, although they have not shown an outstanding level of soccer. The game against Nigeria will allow the USA to play against a very difficult opponent, who also plays similar to Ghana who is their first opponent in the World Cup.
The Stars and Stripes will have to focus on certain areas on the field where they have been particularly weak. The offensive and defensive lines have not impressed in the past two wins against Azerbaijan and Turkey, therefore the friendly against Nigeria will be crucial in determining the starting XI against Ghana on June 16.
The Super Eagles have been impressive defensively as of late. In their last five matches they have held their opponents to four clean sheets, which demonstrates that Nigeria’s biggest weapon is protecting their back-line. The issue with the Super Eagles is that in those five games, they also have been shutout three times, showing a huge weakness which needs to be attended in the game against the United States.
USA vs Nigeria Prediction
The USMNT vs Nigeria friendly will be very intense, with both sides attacking, yet the score will be low. The United States go into the match as favorites considering they are the home side, although it will not be surprising to see the Super Eagles come out with the win. The game will have both teams showing their best weapons, as the coaches want to see their best formation less than a week before the start of the World Cup.
Considering it is very probable both sides line their starting lineups, it will create a high caliber game which will create much entertainment for the viewer. The USMNT and Nigeria will play to win, however, both sides are still not on their best form, and this game will end in a draw. The USA vs Nigeria match will end in a 1-1 draw.
USA vs Nigeria TV Schedule
The USA vs Nigeria international friendly will be televised this Saturday, June 7, 2014 on UniMas and ESPN at 3:00 PM Pacific.
USA vs Nigeria Highlights
The USA vs Nigeria video highlights will be uploaded soon after the end of the game.
