The Super Eagles will face the national team of Jordan,the Al-Nashama in Arabic, which translates to “The Chivalrous Ones” or “The Knights” in an international friendly in Amman between 23 and 31 March 2026, following an agreement between both federations..
Jordan, who have secured qualification for their first-ever appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are expected to use the fixture as part of their preparations for the global tournament.
The Knights have been drawn to face an African opponent, like Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco or even South Africa at the group stage of the mundial.
For Nigeria, the match presents an opportunity to get active once again after missing out on qualification. Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to utilise the friendly to look at emerging talents into the senior squad as the Super Eagles begin preparations for future competitions.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to the DR Congo national football team in the African qualifying playoffs held in Morocco. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has continued to pursue the matter off the pitch.
- Jordan were runners-up in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup and the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, and have been rising in the FIFA world rankings, often recognized as a strong competitor in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
In December, the Nigeria Football Federation lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that Congo DR fielded ineligible players during the playoffs. Reports indicate that a decision on the case is expected on 16 February 2026.
Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles could yet secure a place in the inter-confederation qualifying playoffs scheduled to take place next month in Mexico.
Until then, the March friendly against Jordan offers Chelle’s side a timely opportunity to remain competitive and maintain cohesion amid ongoing uncertainty.
