The Super Eagles faced England at Wembley at the weekend, losing 2-1, despite a spirited effort.
And they step up their planning for the tournament against more European opposition, as they prepare to take on Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Russia
The Czechs, meanwhile, finished third in qualifying Group C, behind Germany and Northern Ireland.
| Game | Nigeria vs Czech Republic |
| Date | Wednesday, June 6 |
| Time | 2:00pm BST / 9am ET |
In the United Kingdom (UK) the game will not be aired live.
| UK TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Similarly, there will be no live airing of the game in the United States.
| US TV channel | Online stream |
|---|---|
| N/A | N/A |
Squads & Team News
| Position | Czech Republic players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Koubek, Pavlenka, Vaclik |
| Defenders | Boril, Gebre Selassie, Jugas, Kaderabek, Kalas, Novak, Suchy |
| Midfielders | Barak, Darida, Husbauer, Jankto, Kopic, Soucek, Zmrhal |
| Forwards | Krmencik, Schick, Vydra |
The Czechs were well beaten by Australia in their last outing, losing 4-0, and will hope to bounce back against the Super Eagles.
AS Roma starlet Patrick Schick will start on the right flank, while Derby County striker Matej Vydra should also feature, having scored 21 goals in the Championship last season.
Potential Czech Republic starting XI: Koubek; Boril, Kalas, Jugas, Novak; Darida, Husbauer; Schick, Barak, Kopic; Vydra
| Position | Nigeria players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Uzoho, Ezenwa, Akpeyi |
| Defenders | Troost-Ekong, Shehu, Ebuehi, Echiejile, Idowu, Balogun, Awaziem, Omeruo |
| Midfielders | Obi Mikel, Onazi, Ndidi, Etebo, Ogu, Obi |
| Forwards | Musa, Iheanacho, Moses, Iwobi, Ighalo, Nwankwo |
Alex Iwobi impressed against England, scoring Nigeria’s goal, and should be given another chance to catch the eye here.
Odion Ighalo led the line against the Three Lions, but Kelechi Iheanacho will hope for an opportunity to show what he can do ahead of the World Cup getting underway.
Potential Nigeria starting XI: Uzohu; Shehu, Troost-Ekong, Balogun, Idowu; Moses, Obi Mikel, Ndidi, Onazi, Iwobi; Iheanacho
Betting & Match Odds
Nigeria can be backed at evens to win the game, with Paddy Power, while Czech Republic can be found at 13/5. The draw is available at 11/5.
Match Preview
Nigeria endured something of a Jekyll & Hyde performance against England at the weekend. While the Super Eagles were somewhat all over the place in the first half – Gareth Southgate’s men could have led 4-0 at the interval – they were a team transformed in the second, as a tactical switch allowed them greater possession and a fresh impetus.
Alex Iwobi’s goal was deserved, and the African side were, in fact, the better team throughout the final 45 minutes.
Thus, they will be looking for a morale-boosting victory this time out as they take on a Czech Republic team that failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Karel Jarolim’s team were thumped 4-0 by Australia last time out and have been on something of a dip in form, winning just one of their last three games, a 4-1 beating of China.
With games to come against stellar opposition in Russia, Nigeria know they must pick up momentum quickly, and this week’s fixture offers the perfect opportunity to do just that.
