The Super Eagles are pressing ahead with preparations for the 2026 World Cup despite uncertainty over their qualification status. Nigeria are set to face Jordan in an international friendly in Amman later in March.
Jordan will use the fixture as part of their build-up to the 2026 tournament, while Nigeria’s involvement depends on the outcome of a crucial ruling by FIFA.
According to Afrik-Foot, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) believes the match will provide valuable match fitness and tactical testing should the country’s appeal be upheld.
The proposed friendly underlines a clear message from Nigerian football authorities that planning continues, regardless of the legal uncertainty surrounding their World Cup campaign.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup suffered a major blow after a dramatic African play-off final defeat to DR Congo.
According to BBC Sports, the Super Eagles lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw that stretched into extra time in November 2025.
However, the NFF later lodged a formal complaint to FIFA, alleging that at least six DR Congo players who featured in the match were ineligible.
According to the federation, the players had recently switched international allegiance without fully completing the required procedures.
If FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the result of the play-off final could be overturned. That decision would allow the Super Eagles to take DR Congo’s place in the Intercontinental Play-Off tournament scheduled for March.
Success in that mini-tournament would secure Nigeria one of the final qualification slots for the 2026 World Cup.
For now, Nigeria’s qualification fate rests entirely on FIFA’s verdict, which could either confirm elimination or revive the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign dramatically.
While the FIFA verdict is still pending, the NFF have already begun mapping out Nigeria’s short-term programme.
Talks with the Jordanian Football Association have reportedly produced plans for two friendly matches in Amman between March 23 and 31.
