The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has initiated high-level discussions with Nigerian football authorities to organize an international friendly match this March. According to the Tehran Times, Iran intends to utilize the March international window for two critical warm-up fixtures against the Super Eagles and Costa Rica to sharpen their squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While Iran remains eager to finalize its preparatory schedule, Nigeria’s ability to honor the engagement hinges entirely on a forthcoming legal decision from FIFA.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) currently awaits a definitive ruling regarding a formal protest lodged against the Democratic Republic of Congo over player eligibility. This legal dispute stems from the African playoff final held last November, where the Leopards eliminated the Super Eagles 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout. Should FIFA rule in favor of Nigeria, the West Africans would likely prioritize official competitive playoffs over exhibition matches, potentially altering the proposed schedule in Tehran.
Iran enters the 2026 World Cup as part of a competitive Group G, where they face a daunting lineup including Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei views the Super Eagles as an ideal technical surrogate for their group-stage opponents, particularly Egypt. The FFIRI aims to secure these March fixtures to provide their squad with much-needed exposure to diverse playing styles before the tournament commences this summer in North America.
“However, for the Super Eagles, any match engagement remains subject to FIFA’s impending ruling on the country’s eligibility protest against Democratic Republic of Congo,” the publication confirmed.
The NFF maintains that several Congolese players who participated in the decisive November qualifier failed to meet FIFA’s criteria for international allegiance switches. While the governing body conducts its investigation, both federations have kept the March dates open on their respective calendars. A verdict against Nigeria would free the Super Eagles to participate in the friendly series, offering a platform for squad rebuilding following their recent qualification heartbreak.
As the World Cup draw has already established the path for the qualified nations, Iran remains focused on maximizing every training window. The potential clash with Nigeria represents a high-profile opportunity for “Team Melli” to test their defensive discipline against world-class attacking talent. Supporters from both nations now turn their attention to FIFA headquarters, where the impending legal resolution will dictate the immediate future of Nigerian football and the logistics of Iran’s final countdown to the global stage.
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