National Football Teams

‘Keep Them Active’ Obuh Urges More Friendlies — Says Eagles Must Stay Sharp Despite World Cup Absence

Published

23 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Former Nigeria U-20 head coach John Sam Obuh has called on the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the Super Eagles remain competitive by consistently organizing international friendly matches.

Following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, Obuh believes it is crucial that the team does not lose momentum.

“We must keep them active,” he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining rhythm and cohesion within the squad.

According to the experienced coach, one of the biggest risks during periods without major tournaments is a decline in competitiveness, something he believes can be avoided through regular fixtures.

“Friendlies are important,” he implied.

Obuh also pointed out that Nigeria’s current squad is in its prime, making the World Cup absence even more disappointing.

“It’s unfortunate,” he noted, reflecting on what could have been an opportunity to showcase the team’s quality on the global stage.

He referenced the Super Eagles’ impressive performance at the last Africa Cup of Nations, suggesting that the team had shown enough promise to compete at the highest level.

“We were ready,” he added.

However, rather than dwelling on the disappointment, Obuh urged stakeholders to focus on lessons learned.

For him, the key takeaway is the need for better planning and continuity.

“We must learn from this,” he stressed.

By organizing consistent friendlies, the team can maintain its core, integrate new players, and continue developing its style of play.

As Nigeria looks ahead to future competitions, Obuh’s message is clear.

Staying active is not optional, it is essential.

Because in football, form and cohesion are built over time.

And without regular competition, even the best teams can fall behind.

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National Football Teams

‘No NPFL Player Is Ready’ – Oparaku Backs Chelle Over Home-Based Snub

Published

3 weeks ago

March 23, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Former Nigeria international Mobi Oparaku has strongly backed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle following the continued exclusion of home-based players from the national team.

Reacting to the squad list for the upcoming friendlies against Iran and Jordan, Oparaku insisted that no player from the Nigeria Professional Football League is currently good enough to break into the Nigeria national football team.

“No domestic-based player is ready for this team,” he said.

The former defender argued that the current standard of the domestic league is not at the level required to produce players capable of competing in the national team.

“Until the league improves, it will be difficult for NPFL players to make the team,” he added.

Oparaku emphasized that the coach’s priority should be to select the best players available, regardless of where they play.

“The coach is right to pick the best legs,” he stated.

According to him, structural improvements in the league are necessary before home-based players can consistently challenge for places in the national team.

He concluded by urging football authorities to focus on developing the domestic league, noting that stronger local competitions will eventually produce players capable of competing at the highest level for Nigeria.

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National Football Teams

Super Eagles to Open Camp March 24 Ahead of Four-Nation Tournament in Jordan

Published

2 months ago

February 24, 2026

Elliot Michael

Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles, will resume camping on March 24 in preparation for a Four-Nation Invitational Tournament scheduled to hold in Amman, Jordan.

The three-time African champions will compete during the March 2026 FIFA international window, facing Iran national football team and hosts Jordan national football team.

Nigeria will open their campaign against Iran on March 27 at the 17,000-capacity Amman International Stadium, before concluding the tournament against Jordan on March 31.

A top team official confirmed that preparations will begin immediately the FIFA window opens, with players and technical crew expected to be in camp throughout the tournament period.

Head coach Eric Chelle is anticipated to lead the squad in Jordan despite ongoing discussions regarding contractual terms proposed to the Nigeria Football Federation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria is still awaiting a ruling from FIFA concerning a petition filed against the DR Congo national football team over the alleged use of ineligible players.

The complaint followed Nigeria’s 2–4 penalty shootout defeat in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff held in Morocco.

The Jordan invitational tournament is expected to provide the Super Eagles with valuable match sharpness and tactical cohesion as they fine-tune preparations for upcoming international engagements.

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