The Super Eagles are set to return to action in a four-nation tournament in Türkiye, featuring Jordan, Iran, and Costa Rica, offering Coach Eric Chelle a chance to test new players, rebuild momentum, and experiment with tactics.
This marks the first outing for Nigeria since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The team will face Iran on March 27 and Jordan on March 31, following the relocation of matches from Amman due to security concerns in the Middle East.
The Super Eagles’ camp in Türkiye is at full strength, despite injuries to star striker Victor Osimhen and defensive stalwart Calvin Bassey. Coach Chelle has 22 players available, including 2024 African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, experienced internationals Alex Iwobi (96 caps) and Moses Simon (95 caps), and senior figures Wilfred Ndidi, Semi Ajayi, and Samuel Chukwueze.
Established stars such as Zaidu Sanusi and Frank Onyeka are also expected to feature, while newcomers Collins Yira, Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, and forward Philip provide fresh options.
Historically, Nigeria and Iran have met only twice at senior level. The Super Eagles defeated Iran 1-0 at the Carlsberg Cup in Hong Kong in January 1998 and played a goalless draw at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Nigeria reached the round of 16 before losing to France.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Americas ended after FIFA rejected a petition from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) challenging the eligibility of certain DR Congo players used during last November’s Africa World Cup play-off in Rabat, Morocco. DR Congo defeated Nigeria 4-3 on penalties to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
Reacting to the FIFA decision, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said, “We have received the decision of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on our petition, but we are not satisfied with the decision, which rejected our petition. I want to assure Nigerians that the NFF has immediately commenced the process of appealing the decision.”
The intercontinental play-offs begin Thursday, with two teams set to secure tickets to the 2026 World Cup.
