Julius Aghahowa has welcomed the games against Mexico and Ecuador as good tests for Nigeria ahead of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Nigeria, who are three-time winners of the AFCON, was drawn against Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau and Mauritius in Group A of the qualifiers for next year’s competition.

As part of preparations for the qualifiers, 25 players will be selected for the International friendly matches against Mexico and Ecuador in the United States of America.

With Jose Peseiro now the head coach of the Super Eagles, Aghahowa believes the games could be a good start for the team.

“Friendlies are a very good way to test players, to see how ready they are before a competitive game or a major tournament,” said the former Super Eagles Striker.

“I think this is a good start, after the disappointment at the Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers; this is a good place to place to start for the players and the coaches ahead of the qualifiers.”

“I think the game will give players confidence going into the qualifiers. I’m happy they are facing American side, because we know these teams play.

“They have flair, they are very quick and strong as well, so it will be a very good test for the team,” he told brila.net.