Nigeria President Bola Tinubu with the Super Eagles after the 2023 AFCON. Photo Credit X
Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will continue with a training camp and three friendly matches during the June 2025 international window, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed, Soccernet.ng reports.
The initiative is part of efforts to fine-tune the squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers, which resume in September.
However, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko has not disclosed the identities of the teams Nigeria will face in the upcoming friendlies.
“With the training camp and three friendly matches being planned for the team in the June 2025 window, it would certainly provide a platform for the technical crew to reset, mould, and perfect the team in preparation for the continuation of the qualifiers in September 2025 and the mission ahead,” Dikko stated on Twitter.
Speculation has been rife over Nigeria’s potential opponents.
Russia previously announced an agreement to play the Super Eagles in early June, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has neither confirmed nor denied the claim.
Similarly, reports suggest that Nigeria could face arch-rivals Ghana, though no official statement has been released.
Another unverified report indicates that the Super Eagles might participate in a four-team mini-tournament alongside Ghana, Jamaica, and England. However, the NFF has yet to clarify this.
Regardless of the final lineup of opponents, the June friendlies will provide Nigeria’s coaching staff with a valuable opportunity to refine tactics and strengthen the squad before the decisive qualifying fixtures.
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Despite recent setbacks, Dikko has reassured fans that Nigeria remains in the race for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles endured a frustrating 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in their last qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, conceding a late equaliser that left them six points behind group leaders South Africa with just four matches remaining.
Dikko sympathised with the team, acknowledging that the result did not reflect their dominance.
“Not the result Nigeria wanted and desperately craved. Football sometimes can be brutal as it’s still a rude shock that the @NGSuperEagles dominated play for the entire 90 minutes of the match, created over 42 attacking plays in the opponent’s box with over 10 clear and decent chances to score (which on a good day could have easily been goals) and gave very little opening to the opponents, yet ended up drawing the match!”
However, rather than criticising the players and coaching staff, the NSC boss praised their effort and commitment.
“Nonetheless, I must commend the @NGSuperEagles players and the technical crew led by Eric Chelle for putting up a brilliant and determined performance, as evident from the match statistics. They gave their all to win the match, but it was just not meant to be.”
To bolster Nigeria’s World Cup qualification push, the NSC and the NFF have agreed on a revised bonus structure for the remaining qualifiers.
Payments for the recent match against Rwanda were settled as planned, while the bonuses for the Zimbabwe game were disbursed before kick-off.
Dikko outlined the new financial incentives, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting the Super Eagles.
“Accordingly, during this qualification window, the National Sports Commission, in collaboration with the NFF @thenff, collectively negotiated a revised remuneration and bonus structure with the team for the remainder of the six qualifying matches. The NSC made available the necessary funds to ensure the team was promptly paid after the Rwanda match in line with the agreement. In fact, for the Zimbabwe game, the team was paid all that was agreed a day before the match to further entrench the commitment of the NSC to the agreement and motivate the team.”
In addition to financial incentives, the Nigerian government has moved to fulfil its promise of land gifts for the squad following their impressive run to the AFCON final last year.
“Additionally, to further motivate the team, on 21st March 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR @officialABAT promptly approved and directed the Minister of FCT @GovWike and the Minister of Works @realdaveumahi to fast-track the conclusion of processing and ensure the prompt delivery of the plots of land and houses in Abuja that the Federal Government promised the team last year,” Dikko revealed.
The Super Eagles will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in September with key fixtures against Rwanda and South Africa. With renewed financial backing, strategic planning, and a clear focus, Nigeria remain determined to secure a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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