Are Nigeria playing Iran this week? What to know about scheduled soccer friendly

Nigeria's failure to reach the FIFA 2026 World Cup means the Super Eagles have a new role this March international break.

Eric Chelle's side are now an in-demand friendly opponent as a high-quality side who are not playing at the expanded 48-team tournament.

However, the Super Eagles' scheduled March 27 meeting with Iran has obviously been complicated by the ongoing conflict in the Middle Eastern country.

Here's all you need to know about the match, where it will be played and whether it is still taking place.

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Are Nigeria playing Iran this week?

Nigeria will play Iran at Corendon Airlines Park in Antalya, Turkey. It is the home stadium of Turkish Super Lig club Antalyaspor and has a capacity of 33,000.

The match is part of a four-nation invitational tournament, also featuring Jordan and Costa Rica.

Fixtures were originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, but have been moved due to obvious security concerns in the Middle East.

When is Nigeria vs. Iran?

Nigeria face Iran on Thursday, March 27 at 6 p.m. local time (3 p.m. GMT / 11 a.m. ET).

The Super Eagles will then take on Jordan in Antalya on March 31.

Nigeria squad to face Iran and Jordan

Chelle has called up three uncapped players for these matches. Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez and attacking duo Philip Otele and Yira Sor are hoping to make their Nigeria debuts.

Fulham's Alex Iwobi is closing in on a century of caps, currently on 97. Star striker Victor Osimhen is absent, having undergone surgery on a fractured right arm he suffered during Galatasaray's UEFA Champions League defeat to Liverpool.               

Nigeria squad in full

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia), Maduka Okoye (Udinese), Adebayo Adeleye (Enosis Neon Paralimni)

Defenders: Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Coventry City), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Philip Otele (Hamburg), Yira Sor (Genk)