Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, will now play their upcoming international friendly matches in Turkey instead of Jordan, following security concerns in the Middle East. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the fixtures against Iran and Jordan have been moved from Amman to Antalya.
Originally planned as a four-nation mini-tournament in Jordan, the competition has been scaled down after Costa Rica withdrew. The matches were initially set to take place at Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium but will now be hosted in Antalya.
Nigeria is scheduled to face Iran on March 27, with kickoff at 4pm local time, before taking on Jordan on March 31 at 8pm local time.
Head coach Eric Chelle has released a 23-man squad for the friendlies, with the biggest talking point being the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen. No official reason has been given for leaving out the Galatasaray forward, who remains Nigeria’s top active goalscorer with 35 goals in 46 appearances—just two shy of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time record of 37.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also misses out after parting ways with Chippa United, while Maduka Okoye returns to the squad. Adeleye Adebayo has been called up as well, replacing Amas Obasogie.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi leads the squad alongside key players such as Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman. Meanwhile, three players—Emmanuel Fernandez, Philip Otele, and Collins Yira Sor—have earned their first senior team call-ups.
The squad features a mix of experienced internationals and fresh talents as Nigeria prepares for crucial international action in Turkey.
