Iran is reportedly in discussions with Nigeria to arrange an international friendly match in March as part of their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Football Federation of Iran is finalizing its pre-tournament schedule and has shortlisted the Super Eagles as a potential opponent. Officials have also opened talks with Costa Rica for another friendly match.

The Tehran Times reported that the federation plans to officially announce Team Melli’s friendly schedule soon. Earlier reports suggested Iran could face European teams like Spain and Portugal in warm-up games, but Nigeria remains a key option in their March fixtures ahead of the World Cup, where they will compete in Group G against Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.

For Nigeria, the potential friendly depends on FIFA’s ruling regarding the country’s protest against DR Congo over player eligibility in the African play-off final, which ended in a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat for the Super Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation submitted a complaint in December 2025, alleging six Congolese players were ineligible due to recent nationality switches.

Should FIFA rule in Nigeria’s favour, the team would advance to the six-nation intercontinental play-offs in Mexico, likely leaving no time for friendly matches in March. NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressed confidence in their case, saying the federation believes it has a strong claim and is awaiting FIFA’s official decision.