Naija Super Eagles don land for Antalya, Turkey, as dem dey prepare for international friendly match against Iran dis Friday, March 27, 2026. The match na part of four-nation mini tournament wey include Jordan and Costa Rica. All di 22 players wey coach Eric Chelle invite don reach camp, except Calvin Bassey wey withdraw because of back injury.
Di Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) arrange di friendly matches as plan B after FIFA dismiss dia petition against DR Congo for World Cup qualification matter. Originally, di matches suppose hold for Amman, Jordan, but US-Israeli airstrikes for Iran cause venue change to Turkey. Super Eagles go face Iran first for Corendon Airlines Antalya Stadium before meeting Jordan on March 31.
Coach Eric Chelle squad mix experienced players with new talents. Star striker Victor Osimhen no dey among di invited players even before im injury against Liverpool, while goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also no dey available. Maduka Okoye get chance to reclaim number one goalkeeper position as im dey perform well for Udinese for Serie A.
For Iran side, Team Melli dey prepare for 2026 FIFA World Cup wey dem don qualify for already. Despite political situation for dia country, Iranian players dey optimistic about di match. Hossein Abarghouei tell Tasnim News Agency say dem go try make dia people happy with good results. Omid Noorafkan also talk say dia physical condition dey improve since dem reach Turkey camp.
Football analysts dey predict tight match between di two teams. Di only previous meeting between dem end 0-0 for 2014 World Cup. Iran last five matches produce only six goals total, while Nigeria last three fixtures deliver just two goals inside regulation time. Many betting tips dey favor draw outcome with under 2.5 goals.
Five Super Eagles players to watch include Paul Onuachu wey dey lead scoring charts for Trabzonspor with over 20 goals, Philip Otele wey get first senior call-up after good performance for Hamburger SV, Emmanuel Fernandez wey dey impress for Rangers, Collins Yira Sor wey get speed for Genk, and Alex Iwobi wey remain key midfielder.
Meanwhile, for basketball news, Indiana Fever for WNBA announce say dem go play Nigeria Women’s National Team for preseason game on May 2, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Nigeria women basketball team na number 8 ranked team for world and win 2025 FIBA AfroBasket Tournament. Di match go be Fever third preseason game before regular season begin May 9.
For injury updates, Calvin Bassey withdrawal reduce Super Eagles squad to 22 players. Cyriel Dessers also go miss rest of season after thigh injury require surgery. Dessers initially withdraw from AFCON 2026 with di injury wey fail to heal after conservative rehabilitation.
Di friendly matches against Iran and Jordan na opportunity for Eric Chelle to test new players and tactics as Super Eagles no qualify for 2026 World Cup. Team dey still hurt after only manage bronze medal for AFCON 2026 and World Cup qualification disappointment. NFF describe di matches as part of broader technical development program.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei men dey use di tournament as preparation for World Cup wey go hold later dis year. FIFA still dey decide if dem go move Iran matches to Mexico because of security concerns. Team Melli last five internationals include three draws, showing dia defensive organization.
Super Eagles training sessions for Antalya dey hold under Eric Chelle supervision. Players like Alex Iwobi, Akor Adams, and others dey active during sessions. Team go rely on midfield combination of Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to control game against physical Iranian side.
Di match go broadcast live internationally as both teams dey look for positive result. For Iran, di game na chance to boost morale for dia citizens amid ongoing challenges. For Nigeria, di match na opportunity to rebuild team confidence after recent disappointments.
Do you have a news tip for NNN? Please email us at editor @ nnn.ng
