The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it is keeping a close watch on the escalating conflict involving Iran as uncertainty surrounds the Nigeria national football team’s scheduled friendlies during the March FIFA international window.
Nigeria had been lined up for a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, where the Super Eagles were set to face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31. Costa Rica were also billed to participate in the mini-tournament.
But the plans have been thrown into doubt after Iran pulled out of the competition amid rising political and military tensions across the Middle East.
Over the weekend, ESPN journalist Colin Udoh reported that organisers were considering moving the fixtures from the Middle East to Europe as a safety measure.
Reacting to the development, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said the federation remained in talks while keeping a close eye on unfolding events.
“The NFF and the organisers are watching developments with keen interest,” Olajire said as quoted by the Punch.
When asked whether a European country had been identified as a possible alternative venue, he said the decision would rest with the tournament organisers.
“If this is confirmed, it is the prerogative of the organisers to find a replacement,” he added.
The crisis deepened after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes across the region. Several countries have since recorded missile and drone attacks, forcing the closure of airspace and raising security concerns that are beginning to affect sporting events.
With Iran’s withdrawal, the original four-team format now hangs in the balance. Organisers are reportedly weighing the option of staging a single friendly between Nigeria and Jordan at a neutral venue in Europe if the tournament cannot go ahead as planned.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau earlier said the federation still has time to assess the situation before making a final call.
“We are monitoring the situation for now, we still have three weeks,” Gusau said.
