Argentina's national football team will face African rivals in two friendly matches in China in March.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) said in a statement posted on its website that Lionel Scaloni's side will face Nigeria at the Olympics Sports Center stadium, in Hangzhou, and then Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast) at the Workers Stadium, in Beijing, on dates to be confirmed.
The matches are currently pencilled in for March 18 and 26 respectively.
Argentina, skippered by captain Lionel Messi, are the reigning World Cup and Copa América champions.
The national side is due to compete in this year's edition of the Copa América, which will be hosted by the United States as it prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. The Albiceleste will hoping to successfully defend the title in what will be Ángel Di María's last tournament in the light-blue-and-white.
Last November Scaloni raised doubts about whether he would continue as coach. Among his alleged complaints were AFA's scheduling of matches and opponents, particularly the national team's friendly matches.
Two weeks ago, after meeting with AFA President Claudio Tapia, Scaloni coach confirmed that he will continue at the helm, at least until the Copa América.
Argentina have been drawn in Group A and will face Peru, Chile and Canada or Trinidad and Tobago.
On their last Asian tour, in 2023, the Albiceleste defeated Australia (2-0) in Beijing and Indonesia (2-0) in Jakarta.
– TIMES/AFP
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