Former Super Eagles defender Benedict Iroha lamented Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup while reflecting on the significance of the upcoming international friendlies against Iran and Jordan, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s men will face Iran on Friday at the Amman International Stadium, before taking on Jordan three days later at the same venue.
While these matches are generally seen as opportunities for the coach to test new systems and give emerging talents a platform, Iroha feels their importance is overshadowed by the absence of World Cup football.
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Speaking on the situation, Iroha expressed his disappointment at what he called “a sad reality” for Nigerian football.
“It’s a friendly game, but I must say that matches involving the Super Eagles are always seen beyond the prism of friendly games,” he told Complete Sports.
“Nigerians are too passionate about Super Eagles matches, whether friendly or competitive. It brightens the global football landscape because of our array of stars playing across the world.
“Everyone, Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, wants to watch the team play. And these two games against Iran and Jordan are no different.
“I’ve seen the list of players already in camp for the two matches. How I wish the team were at the World Cup. Somehow, these games would have given us insight into what to expect from them at the tournament.
“But the sad reality is that these games will only remind us of what we would be missing at the World Cup finals with our absence from the tournament.”
The Nigeria Football Federation is still making efforts to secure a place for the Super Eagles at this summer’s Mundial, however, FIFA’s latest ruling on the case suggests Nigeria’s football governing body is chasing a lost cause.
