Fears for Super Eagles as furious Nigerians demand friendlies with Iran, Jordan cancelled

By Tolulope Oke

Concerned Nigerians have called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to immediately cancel the Super Eagles’ scheduled friendly matches against Iran national football team and Jordan national football team following escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Nigeria national football team are billed to face Iran’s Team Melli on March 27 before taking on Jordan days later as part of their international window preparations under head coach Eric Chelle.

However, the fixtures have come under scrutiny after reports of joint military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, with retaliatory strikes allegedly affecting parts of the region, including Jordan and neighbouring countries.

Amid the rising concerns, several Nigerians took to social media platform X to demand that the NFF prioritise the safety of the players.

One user, NCLE DEJI™️ (@DejiAdesogan), wrote:
“SECURITY ALERT. FG and NFF Should Immediately Cancel Nigeria vs Iran/Jordan.”

Another user, @snnade, suggested relocating the fixture:
“Let them come to Nigeria. We’ll play them here.”

Olayinka Jimmy (@silentpath2007) questioned the timing of the fixture:
“Is the admin seriously tone deaf or under the rock? Super Eagles vs Iran on Mar 27, really?”

Ogonna Joy Agbo (@joy_ogonna) stressed player safety:
“Safety of our boys must come first before any match. With everything happening in the region right now, let’s hope NFF & FIFA put protection above preparations.”

SegunDatInsuranceGuy (@victorioussegun) added:
“I guess those games are off, judging by the escalations in the Middle East. We cannot afford to put the lives of our players in danger. Please call them off and look for alternatives.”

Another user, ChelShe💙 (@Estherchika24), wrote humorously:
“Make them just cancel that Iran own now wey e never late 😂😂😂 Before them bomb us for not showing up.”