Ex-Super Eagles star blasts NFF over proposed four-nation tournament

Former Super Eagles and Watford centre-back Sam Sodje has hit out at the NFF over Nigeria’s March International break fixtures, Afrik Foot reports.

Nigeria’s hope of a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been crushed after FIFA ruled in DR Congo’s favour following the petition levied against them regarding the eligibility of certain players in their team.

The Super Eagles will not be involved in any competitive games for the foreseeable future, until the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers kick off.

Sam Sodje hits out at NFF over Super Eagles’ proposed tournament

The NFF announced last month that Nigeria will be involved in a four-game tournament alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica.

The tournament is set to kick off with a clash between Nigeria and Iran at the 17,000-capacity Amman International Stadium on Friday, 27th March 2026.

The same day, Jordan and Costa Rica will lock horns at the 62,000-capacity King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, also in Amman.

However, questions have been raised about the safety of the players, considering the war of missiles going on in the Middle East, especially with Iran.

However, Sodje questioned the level of ambition displayed by the NFF by pitting Nigeria against teams he feels aren’t on the same level of ambition.

“I feel sorry for Nigerian fans, I don’t only feel sorry for them but for myself it shows you that’s where we are,” the ex West Bromwich Albion defender said on Brila.

“What is the reason for playing Jordan there must be a reason? Do we have an opponent or competition that a team like Jordan is playing? What is the reason?

“I can’t say anything because I am not the Nigerian Football Federation it’s not about criticizing but we have to be honest with ourselves, do they really know what they are doing?

“It’s a shame and I hope one day we will get it right,” the 46-year-old concluded.

Iran are currently 20th on the latest FIFA Rankings, while Nigeria are 26th, Costa Rica are 51st, and Jordan are 64th.