Socceroos to play Nigeria in London

The Socceroos will continue their preparations ahead of the commencement of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with an international match against Nigeria in London on Saturday 17 November.

The Socceroos will continue their preparations ahead of the commencement of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with an international match against Nigeria in London on Saturday 17 November.

Craven Cottage the home of Fulham FC will be the venue for the match which will be the final game ahead of Australia's first 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier to be played on Wednesday 6 February.

The opponents that Australia will face in their first phase of World Cup qualifying will be revealed after the draw, which will take place in Durban, South Africa on Sunday 25 November 2007.

Nigeria, ranked 23 in the World, are currently involved in qualifying for the 2008 African Cup of Nations and have just won their group.

"Nigeria are the number one ranked team in Africa and will provide a very competitive match for the Socceroos," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

"It is vital that we give the team another match ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and we look forward to seeing Australia's national football team play against a high quality opponent."

FFA Technical Director Rob Baan will coach the Socceroos on what will be a vital day for Australian Football. As the Socceroos play Nigeria the Qantas Under 23s will be in action against Iraq at Bluetongue Stadium at Gosford in a match that could decide which team qualifies for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Australia and Nigeria have previously come up against each other at the 1988 and 2000 Olympic Games.