Reigning world champions Argentina have confirmed that their upcoming fixture against one of medal-winning teams at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been cancelled.
The first international break is on the horizon, with FIFA having scheduled 18 to 26 March for men's national team fixtures.
Read: AFCON: CAF 'takes action' on Moroccan ref who refused SA vs DRC 3rd-place playoff
With the 2024 UEFA European Championship and 2024 Copa America both set to get underway in June, various nations in Europe and South America will be viewing the upcoming break as early preparation for the upcoming tournaments.
Argentina are also the holders of their continental championship trophy, having won the 2021 edition of the Copa after beating Brazil in the final.
The Albiceleste are set to return to action later this month, and were scheduled to take on 2023 AFCON runners-up Nigeria on 26 March in the United States.
However, the Argentina Football Association (AFA) has confirmed that the fixture is off, and that the Super Eagles have been replaced by Costa Rica instead.
"Due to an administrative problem with visas, the Nigerian National Team will not be able to play its match against the Argentine National Team, scheduled for the double date in March in the United States," a statement on the AFA's official website read.
"That is why the Costa Rica National Team will replace the African team on the stipulated schedule."
Nigeria, meanwhile, find themselves in a precarious position with their current manager Jose Peseiro, with the Portuguese boss, whose contract with the team reportedly expires at the end of this month, has been heavily linked with a departure following the side's silver-medal finish at AFCON.
He recently confirmed that he has received multiple job offers, but insisted he is yet to decide his future.
"I told everyone to come back at the end of the month. What is certain is that I want to continue coaching and I need to choose wisely,” Peseiro told Goal.
"At this moment, I repeat, all options remain possible. I received a lot of options, and a lot of contacts from national teams or clubs. I would say 5, 6 or 7.
"I let them all know that I need to rest and that when my contract expires, I will talk about it and start thinking about other projects. And decide my future. For now, I need to take a break and be calm.
"But I listen to the proposals and projects that are offered to me. And I evaluate whether I like it or not."
Read: Real Madrid 'reach agreement' with next signing
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
