Super Eagles set for Jordan friendly as World Cup fate remains uncertain

By -

 


The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for an international friendly against Jordan in Amman during the March 23–31 FIFA international window. This match would mark the first-ever senior-level encounter between the two nations.

Jordan, who have qualified for their debut appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are using the fixture as part of their preparations for the global tournament. They are drawn in a challenging group that includes powerhouses like Argentina, alongside African side Algeria and Austria.

For Nigeria, the friendly is being arranged amid ongoing uncertainty over the Super Eagles' qualification status for the 2026 World Cup. The team was eliminated in the African playoff final after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) following a 1-1 aggregate draw. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a protest with FIFA alleging irregularities, including the possible use of ineligible players by DR Congo.

FIFA is expected to deliver a verdict on this eligibility protest imminently—potentially as early as February 16, 2026—with reports indicating a ruling could come soon. A favorable decision for Nigeria could reinstate the Super Eagles into the intercontinental playoff tournament (scheduled for M

arch in Mexico), where a top finish might secure one of the remaining spots at the expanded 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria's participation in the Jordan friendly (and any other proposed matches, such as talks with Iran) hinges on this FIFA outcome. If the protest is upheld and Nigeria advances to the playoffs, the March window would likely be occupied by those decisive fixtures instead.

The proposed friendly is seen as a valuable opportunity for coach Eric Chelle's side to maintain sharpness, test tactics, and build team cohesion during this period of limbo. The NFF appears to be proactively planning ahead while awaiting clarity from world football's governing body.

This development underscores the Super Eagles' determination to stay competitive on the international stage, even as their World Cup hopes remain in the balance.

Comments

Post a Comment

#trending

Tension in Plateau as Death Toll from Angwan Rukuba Attack Rises to 33; Protest Disrupts Mass Burial Over Arrested Youths

By -
Image
 The death toll from the Palm Sunday gunmen attack on Angwan Rukuba community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State has risen to 33, as grieving residents staged a protest that briefly halted the mass burial of victims. The attack, which occurred on March 29, 2026, initially claimed at least 28 lives, with several others injured. The figure climbed after some victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, according to confirmation by the Plateau State Government. On Tuesday, April 7, a funeral service for some of the victims at the ECWA Church in the community turned chaotic when angry women and youths disrupted proceedings. Protesters, carrying leaves and placards, blocked the church entrance and chanted songs, refusing to allow the burial to continue until three youths arrested by security forces in connection with the incident were released. One protester, Rhoda Aliyu, stated: “We will not allow the burial to take place until our sons are released.” The demonstra...
Read more » Stories

70-Year-Old Man Seeks Divorce in Oyo Court, Accuses Wife of Mocking His Bedroom Performance and Threatening His Life

By -
Image
  A 70-year-old man, Ahmed Babalola, has approached the Grade A Customary Court sitting at Mapo, Ibadan, seeking the dissolution of his nearly 30-year marriage, citing persistent humiliation, violence, and mockery from his wife, Aduke. Babalola told the court that his wife frequently ridiculed him publicly by claiming he could not "perform" in bed, making him a laughingstock among neighbours and relatives. He strongly denied the allegations, insisting that he remains "strong and capable" even at his age. “My wife and I had been married for almost 30 years, a period filled with pain and regret,” Babalola testified. “I find my wife’s behaviour towards me detestable. Aduke conducts herself in an uncouth manner. She is always rude and quick to pick fights. She never listens to my instructions or takes my advice. “During our disagreements, my wife always shouts me down and insists on having her way. My wife never stops humiliating me. She tells anyone who cares to listen...
Read more » Stories