National Teams
NFF scrambles for opponents after scheduled friendly collapses over rival coach’s concerns
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is racing against time to secure international friendly matches for the Super Falcons after a planned fixture fell through at the last minute, an authoritative federation source has confirmed to NigeriaFootball.ng.
The setback occurred when a national association that had already reached and signed a match agreement with Nigeria abruptly withdrew.
According to the insider, the decision was triggered by the opposing team’s head coach, who reportedly preferred to face what he considered a “lesser opponent” instead of the reigning African champions.
“The Nigeria Football Federation is in a dilemma and racing against time to secure at least a two-match friendly for the Super Falcons,” the source said.
“The federation suffered a disappointing setback because the country we had an agreement with pulled out due to their coach seeking a lesser opponent.”
The development comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s women’s national team, with the upcoming international window seen as crucial for tactical preparation and player assessment ahead of their next major competition, which also doubles as qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup.
“We understand how important this window is for the team and for the technical crew to assess the players properly,” the official added. “I’m confident we will secure matches for the team.”
The NFF is also contending with financial pressure stemming from the Super Eagles’ failed qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—an outcome that affected the federation’s budgeting and placed additional strain on its broader national team programmes.
Despite the challenges, the federation is exploring alternative opponents and is working toward confirming at least two friendly fixtures by next week Monday.
The Super Falcons, champions of Africa, booked their spot at the 13th edition with a 3-1 win over neighbours Benin Republic in October, are expected to regroup soon as preparations intensify for a decisive period in their competitive calendar.
Nigeria will seek to defend their crown and secure qualification for the Brazil 2027 Women’s World Cup when the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations takes place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3 – the third consecutive edition to be staged on North African soil.
