Naija Super Eagles go lock horn with Iran national team for international friendly match on March 27, 2026. The match go hold for Corendon Airlines Stadium for Antalya, Turkey, by 2 pm Naija time. This friendly na part of four-nation invitational tournament wey include Jordan and Costa Rica national teams.
Originally, the match suppose hold for Amman, Jordan capital, but dem shift am to Antalya because of ongoing war for Middle East wey involve Iran, United States and Israel. The war begin since February 28, 2026, and e don affect many things including sports events.
For team news, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle no include Victor Osimhen for 23-man squad to allow the striker recover fully. But Osimhen suffer hand injury for Galatasaray hours after squad announcement. Ola Aina no dey squad for similar reason, while NFF confirm say Calvin Bassey withdraw because of back injury. Dem replace am with Chibuike Nwaiwu.
For Iran side, head coach Amir Ghalenoei no go fit use Saeid Ezatolahi because of foot injury. Star striker Sardar Azmoun no dey squad because of issue with Iran football federation. Team Melli dey find better form ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup wey go hold for USA, Mexico and Canada.
Naija and Iran no get plenty history for football. Dem only meet two times before. First meeting na for Carlsberg Cup for Hong Kong for 1998 where Ahmed Garba second-half strike give Naija win. Second meeting na for 2014 FIFA World Cup for Brazil wey end draw.
This third meeting no carry same importance for both teams. Naija miss 2026 World Cup after dem lose case against DR Congo eligibility issue. Iran don qualify for World Cup already, but their participation dey uncertain because of war with US and Israel.
Super Eagles dey good form recently. Dem win five of their last seven matches and draw two against Morocco and Egypt for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Iran dey struggle for form as dem no win any of their last three matches.
NFF confirm say all invited players don arrive Super Eagles camp for Antalya except Calvin Bassey. Top stars like captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman dey present. Dem dey prepare well for the match.
For where to watch, no clear information dey yet for Naija audience. But dem expect say local TV channels and Supersport go broadcast the match. Fans dey wait for confirmation as match day dey near.
The war for Middle East don affect many things beyond sports. US President Donald Trump talk say Iran dey “begging” for deal to end war, but Iran deny say dem dey negotiate. Trump give deadline for Iran to unblock Strait of Hormuz or dem go attack Iran power plants.
War don affect fuel prices worldwide. Nollywood actor Kunle Remi complain say e buy fuel for over ₦1,300 per litre for Naija. E question why Naija, as oil-producing nation, dey among first countries affected by Iran war. E talk say diesel expensive, light no dey, and transport cost don rise too much.
For football side, the friendly match go help both teams prepare for future competitions. For Naija, e go help build team for future AFCON and World Cup qualifiers. For Iran, e go help dem prepare for World Cup if dem eventually participate despite war situation.
The four-nation tournament go continue after Iran match. Naija go face Jordan for second fixture on March 31, 2026, while Iran go take on Costa Rica. All matches go hold for Antalya, Turkey, to avoid security concerns for Middle East region.
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