CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Battery have announced an international exhibition with the Nigerian Olympic team on July 16 at Silverbacks Park in Atlanta. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. The two teams will meet three weeks before Nigeria’s opening match at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio and 10 days after the Battery’s exhibition clash with legendary Scottish club Rangers F.C.

The Rio Games will be Nigeria’s seventh appearance at the Olympics. Nigeria won the gold medal 20 years ago in Atlanta and finished second in 2008 in Beijing, making it one of only two African countries to medal at the Olympics in soccer.

“We’re excited to play against the number one U23 team in Africa,” said Battery Coach Mike Anhaeuser. “The match gives us an opportunity to play against a team that will be competing for a gold medal in August while we get to see some of the most talented young players in Nigeria.”

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Olympic men’s soccer teams are made up of U23 players and three overage players. Nigeria hasn’t named its squad yet, but its likely Arsenal striker Alex Iwobi will be involved. The 19-year old made 13 appearances and scored two goals for Arsenal in his first year with the senior team in 2016. Iwobi played for England at the youth level before electing to play for Nigeria at the senior level, making his full debut in 2015.

Watford striker Odion Ingahlo has been named as one of the three overage players that will travel to Rio. The 27-year old attacker has scored 32 goals in 64 appearances in the Championship and English Premier League over the last two years with Watford.

“It’s important for us to have as much playing time as possible before going to Rio so we can evaluate our players,” Nigeria head coach Samson Siasia said. “We won our gold medal in Atlanta in 1996, so playing there this summer will bring back good memories. The environment will bring out the distinctive playing style Nigeria is known for.”     

The international friendly will provide fans of Atlanta United FC, the Battery’s MLS affiliate, with an opportunity to see the team’s first signing in history play in person. The match against Nigeria will be the first time goalkeeper Alex Tambakis takes the field in Atlanta. In addition to Tambakis, Atlanta United Academy players could feature in the match for the Battery. Recently signed Atlanta United Homegrown player Andrew Carleton and Chris Goslin made appearances for Charleston during preseason in February.