Super Eagles to face Jordan in friendly, await FIFA World Cup ruling
Nigeria's Super Eagles are scheduled to play a friendly match against Jordan, pending a FIFA ruling on their eligibility in the World Cup qualification process.
The Nigerian national football team, known as the Super Eagles, is set to compete against Jordan in an international friendly match scheduled during the FIFA window from March 23 to 31. This will be a historic encounter as it marks the first senior-level meeting between the two countries. Jordan is preparing for their inaugural World Cup appearance and has drawn a tough group for the tournament, facing renowned teams such as Argentina, Algeria, and Austria. This friendly match is a key component of Jordan's preparation strategy as they seek to solidify their team dynamics ahead of the global stage.
The Super Eagles’ participation in this match is contingent on a critical decision by FIFA regarding Nigeria's protest concerning the eligibility of players from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Nigeria alleges that DR Congo fielded six ineligible players during the previous year’s African World Cup qualifiers. This situation adds a layer of complexity to Nigeria’s current preparations as they await FIFA's ruling, which is expected to take place imminently. The outcome of this decision could significantly impact Nigeria’s future in the World Cup qualification process.
In addition to the upcoming friendly against Jordan, there are reports indicating that Iran is also interested in scheduling a match against Nigeria in March. Furthermore, a potential clash with Portugal is being considered for June, showcasing Nigeria's efforts to secure valuable match experience ahead of the World Cup and enhance their competitive edge against various international teams. With all these elements combined, the Super Eagles are navigating a busy schedule while waiting on crucial developments regarding their World Cup eligibility status.