- NFF Watching Middle East Tensions Over Nigeria Iran Friendly
- Iran withdrew from four nation tournament due to escalating Middle East tensions.
- Organisers may move fixtures to Europe or stage Nigeria Jordan friendly.
The Nigeria Football Federation has said it is closely monitoring the escalating conflict involving Iran as uncertainty surrounds the Super Eagles’ scheduled friendly matches during the March FIFA international window.
Nigeria had been lined up to participate in a four nation invitational tournament in Amman, where the Super Eagles were expected to face Iran on March 27 before playing Jordan on March 31. Costa Rica were also billed to take part in the mini tournament.
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However, the plans have been thrown into doubt after Iran withdrew from the competition following rising political and military tensions in the Middle East.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that over the weekend, ESPN journalist Colin Udoh reported that organisers were considering moving the matches from the Middle East to Europe as a safety measure.
Reacting to the development, the Director of Communications of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ademola Olajire, said the federation was still in discussions with organisers while monitoring the situation.
“The NFF and the organisers are watching developments with keen interest,” Olajire said.
When asked whether a European country had been identified as a possible alternative venue, he said the decision would depend on the organisers of the tournament.
“If this is confirmed, it is the prerogative of the organisers to find a replacement,” he added.
The crisis intensified 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 activities.
Following Iran’s withdrawal, the original four team format of the tournament is now uncertain. Organisers are reportedly considering the option of staging a single friendly match between Nigeria and Jordan at a neutral venue in Europe if the tournament cannot proceed as planned.
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, earlier said the federation still had time to assess the situation before taking a final decision.
“We are monitoring the situation for now, we still have three weeks,” Gusau said.
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