NFF Schedules Friendlies As Super Eagles’ World Cup Dream Dims
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
NIGERIA’S prospects of playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup are growing increasingly uncertain after the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the Super Eagles will compete in a four-team tournament in Amman next month — a window traditionally reserved for decisive playoff fixtures.
The move comes despite an unresolved petition before FIFA challenging the eligibility of players fielded by DR Congo national football team during the African playoffs.
A Strategic Shift
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play Iran national football team on March 27, while Jordan national football team and Costa Rica national football team will contest the other fixture. Matches will be held at the Amman International Stadium and the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
Given that the March FIFA window coincides with the final phase of World Cup qualification in many confederations, Nigeria’s commitment to friendly fixtures has raised questions about whether officials anticipate any reversal of their playoff defeat.
The Legal Battle
Following their penalty loss to DR Congo, the NFF filed a protest, arguing that certain Congolese players may have breached domestic nationality laws regarding dual citizenship. Officials insisted that while FIFA rules prioritise possession of a valid passport, concerns remained over the integrity of the clearance process.
To date, FIFA has issued no formal ruling. Federation spokespersons have dismissed online claims of a decision, noting that independent disciplinary bodies handle such matters and operate without fixed timelines.
National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko recently described the World Cup as “a closed chapter” in practical terms, even as the legal process continues.
Preparing for the Next Cycle
For Nigerian supporters, the prospect of missing consecutive World Cups — after also failing to qualify in 2022 — is a sobering one. Yet the federation’s latest move indicates a recalibration toward long-term rebuilding and preparation for upcoming continental competitions.
Unless FIFA delivers an unexpected verdict, Nigeria’s focus now appears firmly set on reshaping the Super Eagles for the next competitive cycle rather than awaiting a late twist in their 2026 campaign.
