Manager Andriy Shevchenko has explained the rationale behind the decision to face an African country, Nigeria in a friendly despite the fact the Ukrainian team is preparing for the 2020 European Championship.
One of the in-form teams in Europe at the moment, Ukraine put three goals past Lithuania in their latest fixture, a result which keeps them in firm control to qualify for the European Championship.
''First of all, this is due to the fact that a lot of matches are being held now, there is a selection, and most teams are just participating in official matches,'' said Shevchenko to Football TV channel.
''This date is not a day of friendly games, so finding a European opponent was very difficult. Therefore, the Association chose to play with the African team.
''This is a very good team. It will be interesting to play against them."
Shevchenko is expected to hand run-outs to fringe players in the squad in the game against Nigeria which will begin at the Dnipro Arena at 2130 hours local time.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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