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Football Ferns to face Iceland and Nigeria in last matches before Fifa World Cup in New Zealand

Wednesday, March 22 2023

New Zealand will travel to Turkey for two final games ahead of the Fifa World Cup.

The Football Ferns will face Iceland (world No 16) and Nigeria (45) next month in the last Fifa international window before their home World Cup in July.

The 7500-seat capacity Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya will host the two fixtures on April 8 and 12.

Football Ferns coach Jitka Klimková said: ”These are two good sides and a great test for us going into the tournament.

“We played Iceland just over a year ago so this game presents a good opportunity to see how we have been progressing.”

New Zealand met Iceland in February last year at the SheBelieves Cup, with the Europeans winning 1-0.

Iceland have never qualified for a Women’s World Cup. They came close in this year’s tournament after finishing second in their Uefa group behind the Netherlands, before losing 4-1 to Portugal in the semifinal playoffs.

Nigeria, a World Cup mainstay having qualified for every tournament, will be in a group with co-hosts Australia, Olympic champions Canada and Ireland.

Klimková added: “We were also keen to face an African side so that we have challenged ourselves against every other confederation, and Nigeria are the perfect opponent.”

New Zealand head to Turkey after a disappointing February camp where they lost all three matches at home, 5-0 to Portugal, and 2-0 and 1-0 to Argentina.

“We were disappointed with the results against Portugal and Argentina, so I know everyone is keen to get back on the pitch to show what we can do,” said Klimková.

The Kiwis, winless in seven matches, are hoping to advance from the World Cup group stage for the first time.

The Herald understands the Football Ferns will wear a new ‘white-and-blue’ kit for the upcoming tour to Turkey after players raised concerns about game-day “distractions” caused by playing in white shorts while menstruating.

The New Zealand squad for the tour will be named on Tuesday, March 28.