The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has provided a fresh update regarding the Super Eagles’ planned international friendly matches, confirming that the proposed match against Iran national football team will no longer take place while preparations continue for the clash with Jordan national football team.

Nigeria had earlier been scheduled to participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman during the March FIFA international window, with fixtures lined up against Iran, Costa Rica, and Jordan.

The Super Eagles were initially set to face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31 at the Amman International Stadium. 

However, concerns have emerged about the tournament following the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East.

In a post on X, Colin Udoh revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation indicated the mini-tournament could be moved to Europe after football activities in parts of the Middle East were suspended due to the security situation.

He further revealed that the Iran national team will not take part in the tournament, which had been planned as part of their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. 

"An NFF source tells me the mini-tournament that the Super Eagles were scheduled to play this month will be relocated, possibly to Europe, due to the situation in the Middle East. But Iran will no longer participate," Colin Udoh revealed.  

He further revealed that the Nigerian football governing body is also considering arranging a single friendly against Jordan in Europe if the proposed mini-tournament cannot be organised.

"However, in the event that a tournament is not possible, organizers are working on a single game between Nigeria and Jordan with location also in Europe."

"On his part, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau told me when I asked him earlier this: “We are monitoring the situation for now, we still have three weeks.”

The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering defeat to DR Congo in the playoff match held in Morocco in November.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has submitted a formal petition, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players during the playoffs.

With FIFA yet to deliver a ruling on the matter, the NFF will be hoping for a favourable decision that could potentially give Nigeria another opportunity to participate in the World Cup.

Adeyemi Adewale