The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed that the Super Eagles will participate in a Four-Nation Invitational Tournament in Amman, Jordan, during the March 2026 FIFA international window.
While the tournament is a major development for the national team’s calendar, it has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. The March window coincides with the inter-confederation World Cup playoffs, fueling speculation that the NFF may be quietly resigning itself to missing the 2026 global showpiece despite an ongoing legal battle at FIFA.
The Amman Invitational: Match Schedule
The Super Eagles will join hosts Jordan, Iran, and Costa Rica for the mini-tournament. Notably, both Jordan and Iran are using the event as final preparation for their 2026 World Cup campaigns.+1
| Date | Matchup | Venue |
| Friday, March 27 | Nigeria vs. Iran | Amman International Stadium |
| Tuesday, March 31 | Jordan vs. Nigeria | Amman International Stadium |
Note: Costa Rica will also face Jordan and Iran on the same dates at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.
The DR Congo Legal ‘Shadow’
The news of the friendly tournament arrives just as tensions peak over Nigeria’s petition against DR Congo.
- The Allegation: Nigeria claims the Leopards fielded six ineligible players (including former Manchester United man Aaron Wan-Bissaka) during the African playoffs, which DR Congo won on penalties.
- The FIFA Silence: FIFA recently released its 2025 Annual Report with no mention of Nigeria’s petition. While a ruling was expected by February 16, the world governing body has remained silent, leading many to fear the case has been dismissed or delayed indefinitely.
- The NFF’s Safety Net: NFF officials insist that if FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favor before March, the team will withdraw from the Amman tournament to participate in the actual World Cup playoffs in Mexico.
Chelle’s $130,000 Ultimatum: A Coach at the Crossroads
Adding to the drama is a reported contract standoff between the NFF and Head Coach Eric Chelle. Fresh off a bronze-medal finish at AFCON 2025, Chelle has reportedly submitted a 19-point proposal to extend his stay.
Key Demands Include:
- Salary Hike: A jump from $50,000 to $130,000 monthly (to cover his entire technical crew and a personal assistant).
- Infrastructure: A private SUV with a chauffeur/security, and a secure residence with 24-hour electricity.
- Autonomy: Full control over player selection and the right to choose international friendly opponents.
While the NFF’s Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire, has publicly denied knowledge of these “outrageous” demands, sources within the federation suggest the jump is considered fiscally impossible under current budgetary constraints.
Rebuilding or Delusion?
The Lagos Metropolitan views this moment as a defining “inflection point” for Nigerian football.
The Pros: Participating in the Jordan tournament is a pragmatic move. It allows the team to maintain its FIFA ranking, test new talent like Rangers’ Emmanuel Fernandez, and keep the squad active. If the World Cup dream is truly dead, “rebuilding” must start now.
The Cons: The NFF’s focus on friendlies while a World Cup petition is supposedly “active” sends a confusing message to the fans. Furthermore, the public contract squabble with Eric Chelle creates a sense of instability that could derail the team’s momentum just as they find their rhythm.
