Super Eagles told to use Jordan friendlies to begin Nigeria’s road to 2030 World Cup

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a defining moment after missing out on another FIFA World Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

However, former international Moses Kpakor has urged the three-time African champions to focus on rebuilding for the future rather than dwelling on disappointment.

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America but impressively finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Up next for the Super Eagles is a four-nation invitational tournament in Jordan and Kpakor believes it offers the perfect starting point for a long-term reset under head coach Eric Chelle.

Nigeria will take part in the competition during the March FIFA international window, facing Iran and Jordan in Amman.

Last time out against Iran 🇮🇷 pic.twitter.com/MUI6T4AHLw

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 21, 2026

The Super Eagles begin their campaign against Iran on 27 March before meeting hosts Jordan four days later at the Amman International Stadium.

Speaking to Footy-Africa, Kpakor stressed that Nigeria must treat the matches as more than friendly games.

He said, “I think we are in a good place with the Super Eagles, and I expect that we should use this to start our rebuilding since we will not be at the World Cup.

“We had a relatively good tournament at the last Africa Cup of Nations, and we need to build on that by integrating new players with the view of getting to the World Cup in 2030.”

Super Eagles: Planning for the 2030 World Cup

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup means the three-time African champions will miss the global tournament for the second consecutive time. It is a situation Kpakor believes should trigger serious long-term planning.

He added, “I believe it is time we plan properly and set things in motion with 2030 in mind.

“It is important that we blend both the old and new players to get good team chemistry. I saw some young players at AFCON, like Tochukwu Nnadi and others. Now will be the right time to start properly integrating them into the team.”

The former international also welcomed the tournament format, which allows Nigeria to test different players against strong opposition preparing for the World Cup.

“While others are preparing for the World Cup, we should start preparing our own team for the 2030 World Cup qualifiers and other competitions. I am happy these friendlies are in a tournament format, and I hope the NFF can use it to improve the team. I also hope to see some fresh new faces in the team when the list is announced.”

The Super Eagles are scheduled to open camp on 24 March as preparations continue amid wider uncertainty in Nigerian football administration.

Officials are still awaiting a ruling from FIFA over a petition concerning Nigeria’s World Cup playoff defeat to DR Congo, which the Nigeria Football Federation claims involved ineligible players.

While that decision could yet influence Nigeria’s immediate future, Kpakor is convinced that the real priority now is building a younger, stronger team capable of returning to the World Cup stage in 2030.