Ireland to face Super Eagles at Craven Cottage

THE Republic of Ireland will use London as their training base for the June World Cup qualifier in Bulgaria, with a friendly match against Nigeria the centrepiece of their build-up.

The match, on Friday May 29 (kick-off 8pm), will take place at Fulham’s Craven Cottage, scene of last year’s 1-0 friendly win over Colombia.

The Irish squad will assemble in London on the Tuesday before the game and, following the fixture, will briefly break-up, reassembling again in London to continue their preparations for the World Cup Group 8 game in Sofia on June 6.

Ranked second highest in Africa and six places above Ireland in the FIFA rankings, the Nigerians can call on such Premier League stars as John Obi Mikel of Chelsea, Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United and, on his home ground, Dickson Etuhu of Fulham.

The match will be hosted by the FAI and tickets are available from £20 (€22) for adults and £5 (€5.50) for juniors.

Tickets can be purchased through www.fulhamfc.com or, alternatively, by phone [phone] ROI / 0870 442 1234 UK (option 1) open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or, in person, from the ticket office, Fulham Football Club, Stevenage Road, Fulham, SW6 6HH.