By John Egbokhan

Former Bolton Coach, Sam Allardyce has predicted a cracking encounter between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Albicelestes of Argentina on June 1 at the Abuja National Stadium.

Speaking at an event in Lagos, Allardyce, who once coached former Eagles skipper, Austin Okocha in England, said the impending game provides both coaches a great opportunity to assess their teams ahead of their continental engagements

“Today, I’m here to give an independent opinion of what I think Guinness® The Match will hold in store for us, what I think the opportunities and threats will be for each of the teams, and what the fans of both of these great nations can expect from their respective players. Maybe I am in a somewhat better position to judge having managed the great Jay Jay.

“It will be a significant game for both sides; both are building new teams and the importance of a major test in the early stages of a squad’s formation is essential not just for the players’ individual development at international level but in laying the foundations for good teamwork.

“This will be an early opportunity for the coaches to test their players under pressure and will be a vital part of their preparations for the major tournaments they are competing in Africa Cup of Nations 2012 for the Super Eagles and Copa America 2011 for Argentina.

It will certainly provide the fans with a spectacular high tension, action-packed 90 minutes”, added Alardyce, a one-time Blackburn Rovers manager.