Super Eagles: ‘Nigeria will not be part of that mini-tournament’

Super Eagles will reportedly not participate in the four-nation friendly tournament initially planned for the March international window in Amman, Afrik Foot reports.

Nigeria had been scheduled to feature in the mini-competition alongside Iran national football team, Jordan national football team, and Costa Rica national football team, with the tournament expected to kick off on March 27, 2026.

However, new developments surrounding logistics and team availability have forced a rethink of those plans.

The friendly tournament was initially seen as an opportunity for the Super Eagles to remain active during the international break, particularly as Nigeria await a decision from FIFA regarding the eligibility protest filed after their World Cup playoff defeat to the DR Congo national football team.

Why Super Eagles will not participate in friendly tournament

According to a member of the NFF Technical Committee, circumstances surrounding the organisation of the event have made Nigerians’ participation impossible.

Despite having already made several arrangements for the competition, the official explained that recent developments have complicated the situation.

“Unfortunately, the events of the past few weeks have escalated to this level despite all the arrangements that had been made for the tournament to be held,” the official said to Footy Africa.

“However, I can confirm to you that Nigeria will not be part of that mini-tournament during this international window.”

The official further revealed that there had been discussions about relocating the matches to another venue, but logistical challenges and scheduling issues made the plan difficult to implement.

“There were discussions about possibly moving the games to another location, but circumstances surrounding logistics and the availability of teams have been a major challenge,” the source added.

“I cannot speak for the other teams involved, but I can tell you that Nigeria will not travel to Amman for the tournament.”

NFF explores alternative friendly for the Super Eagles

With the Jordan tournament now off the table, the NFF has begun exploring alternative options to ensure the Super Eagles remain active during the international break.

The federation is reportedly considering arranging a single friendly match elsewhere in Europe instead of participating in the mini-competition.

“We are currently in talks with another team to play a game, possibly a single friendly match in Europe. That is the priority for us now,” the official said.

“If anything new comes up, I will let you know, but the Super Eagles will not be travelling to Amman for the tournament.”

The development means Nigeria’s preparations during the March window will now depend on whether the NFF can secure a new opponent in Europe, while the football community in the country continues to monitor FIFA’s pending decision on the eligibility case involving DR Congo.