NFF Kickstart 2026 World Cup Preparations, Arrange Friendly for Super Eagles Ahead of FIFA Verdict
- Nigeria is lining up international friendlies as they await FIFA’s verdict on their protest against DR Congo
- The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Jordan in Amman as part of early 2026 World Cup preparations
- A favourable ruling could hand Nigeria a surprise route back into the 2026 World Cup qualification race
The Super Eagles are pressing ahead with preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite uncertainty over their qualification status.
Nigeria are set to face Jordan in an international friendly in Amman in March 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Jordan will use the fixture as part of their build-up to the 2026 tournament, while Nigeria’s involvement depends on the outcome of the crucial ruling by FIFA.
According to Afrik-Foot, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) believes the match will provide valuable match fitness and tactical testing should the country’s appeal be upheld.
The proposed friendly underscores a clear message from local football authorities that planning continues, despite the legal uncertainty surrounding the World Cup campaign.
Protest could reopen Nigeria’s World Cup path
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup suffered a major blow after a dramatic African play-off final defeat to DR Congo.
According to BBC Sport, the Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time in November 2025.
However, the NFF later lodged a formal complaint to FIFA, alleging that at least six DR Congo players who featured in the match were ineligible.
According to the federation, the players had recently switched international allegiance without fully completing the required procedures.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the result of the play-off final could be overturned.
That decision would allow the Super Eagles to take DR Congo’s place in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March.
Success in that mini-tournament would secure Nigeria one of the final qualification slots for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in North America.
For now, Nigeria’s qualification fate rests entirely on FIFA’s verdict, which could either confirm elimination or dramatically revive the Super Eagles' World Cup campaign.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria prepares another friendly after Jordan clash
While the FIFA verdict is still pending, the NFF have already begun mapping out Nigeria’s short-term programme.
Talks with the Jordanian Football Association have reportedly produced plans for two friendly matches in Amman between March 23 and 31.
These games are intended to help Jordan prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance and give Nigeria competitive opposition if cleared to play.
In addition, the Super Eagles are also exploring another friendly against Iran, which would further strengthen their preparation schedule.
The idea is to expose the Super Eagles to different styles of play ahead of what could be a sudden return to competitive fixtures.
For the Super Eagles coaching crew led by Eric Chelle, these arrangements serve a dual purpose, which includes maintaining player sharpness and ensuring the squad is ready to act quickly if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigerians excited ahead of FIFA verdict
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Nigerians were in a buoyant mood ahead of a decisive verdict from FIFA that will shape the country’s 2026 World Cup journey.
The world football body is expected to rule on February 16 on the eligibility protest against DR Congo national football team, with the Super Eagles' campaign in the balance.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
