Iran Line Up Nigeria Friendly As Super Eagles Await FIFA Verdict

Iran are weighing up a March friendly against Nigeria as they step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with discussions already under way between both federations.

According to reports in the Tehran Times, Iran’s football authorities are close to unveiling their pre-tournament schedule, with the Super Eagles identified as one of the potential opponents.

The publication stated that “the Football Federation of Iran is expected to officially announce Team Melli’s friendly match schedule as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

It added that talks have been opened with Nigeria and a CONCACAF nation to firm up two warm-up fixtures next month.

He said, “The federation has been in negotiations with the football federations of Costa Rica and Nigeria to arrange two warm-up matches in March.”

The move comes after earlier indications that Iran had explored glamour ties against European sides, with the report noting that it “follows earlier announcements suggesting Iran would face European heavyweights Spain and Portugal in preparation fixtures.”

Iran have already been drawn in Group G of the expanded tournament, where they will meet Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.

Any March fixture hinges on an imminent ruling from FIFA over Nigeria’s protest concerning DR Congo. The Super Eagles missed out on automatic qualification after a dramatic 4-3 penalty defeat in the African play-off final in November 2025.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal complaint on 15 December, alleging that six Congolese players who featured in the tie were ineligible due to recent switches in international allegiance. FIFA is widely expected to communicate its decision from Monday.

NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi struck an assured tone, saying, “We have a good case. We do not venture into what would be an exercise in futility. As far as we are concerned, we have a strong case, and we are awaiting FIFA’s decision on the complaints we have lodged.”

Midfielder Alex Iwobi echoed that optimism, saying: “We are still waiting; hopefully, we can go to the World Cup.”