A planned four-nation friendly tournament involving the Nigeria national football team, Jordan national football team, Iran national football team and Costa Rica national football team has been relocated to Antalya following rising tensions in the Middle East.
The tournament was initially scheduled to take place in Amman, but organisers decided to move the event due to the security situation in the region linked to the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
The Jordan Football Association confirmed that the tournament will still be held as planned in March 2026, but at a new venue in Turkey. The association also stated that Iran, whose participation had been uncertain, will now take part in the competition.
According to the organisers, the decision to relocate the matches was taken due to the prevailing regional situation and restrictions affecting the movement of people.
The four-team tournament will feature Jordan, Iran, Nigeria and Costa Rica as part of their preparations for upcoming international competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under the revised schedule, Jordan will face Costa Rica on Friday, March 27, while Iran will take on Nigeria on the same day. Nigeria will then meet Jordan on Tuesday, March 31, while Iran will play Costa Rica in their second match.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has said it is closely monitoring developments surrounding the tournament following the change of venue.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is also expected to name his squad ahead of the international window.
Nigeria are also awaiting a decision from FIFA regarding their protest against the DR Congo national football team over the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs.
DR Congo progressed from the African play-off and are scheduled to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia national football team and Jamaica national football team on March 31 in Mexico City for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Unless FIFA rules in Nigeria’s favour, the Super Eagles will use the friendly tournament as part of the next phase of rebuilding under Chelle, who guided the team to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
