Nigeria's Super Eagles could soon play their first-ever senior international match against Kosovo after both countries opened talks over a friendly fixture, Soccenet.ng reports.
The proposal was announced by Kosovo's Deputy Prime Minister, Glauk Konjufca, during a courtesy visit to the Director General of Nigeria's National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, at the commission's headquarters in Abuja on Friday.
The planned match is expected to be the first meeting between the two countries at senior level if discussions are successfully concluded. It also forms part of a broader agreement aimed at strengthening sporting and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Kosovo.
Speaking during the visit, Konjufca explained that football would be one of the major areas of cooperation between both nations.
“We are proposing a friendly match between the Nigeria national team and the Kosovo national team and we are also ready to have capacity building in Judo where we have produced several world and Olympic Champions,” Konjufca was quoted by the NSC media.
Although both countries have agreed in principle to the idea, the date, kick-off time and venue for the friendly are yet to be confirmed. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Kosovo's football authorities are expected to continue discussions before making an official announcement.
Super Eagles prepare for another international test
Nigeria, under Algeria-linked head coach Eric Chelle, have continued to arrange quality friendly matches as they prepare for future competitive fixtures. The Super Eagles are using these games to improve teamwork, test new players and build a stronger squad ahead of upcoming international competitions.
The former African champions have faced Portugal, Poland, Jamaica, Zimbabwe, Jordan and Iran in recent months. Kosovo, who defeated Burkina Faso 5-0 a couple of years ago, could be next.
Kosovo, who only played their first international match in 2014, will enter the proposed friendly with confidence despite being one of the youngest national teams in world football. Managed by Franco Foda, the Dardanians came close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but lost 1-0 to Turkey in the European play-offs. They responded positively by defeating Andorra 3-0 in a recent friendly.
On paper, Nigeria hold a much richer football history. The Super Eagles have qualified for six FIFA World Cups and reached the Round of 16 three times, in 1994, 1998 and 2014. They are also three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions, winning the title in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while finishing as runners-up on five occasions.
Nigeria also made history by winning Africa's first Olympic football gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Games and have lifted the FIFA U-17 World Cup trophy five times. The country's highest FIFA ranking remains fifth in the world, achieved in April 1994.
Kosovo, by comparison, only became a FIFA member in 2016 and are still building their football history. They have never qualified for either the FIFA World Cup or the UEFA European Championship, although reaching the European play-offs for the 2026 World Cup marked their best campaign so far. Their current FIFA ranking of 78th is their highest ever.
However, with top talents like Napoli defender Amir Rrahmani and Fenerbahçe striker Vedat Muriqi, Kosovo will fancy their chances against the Super Eagles when the friendly is confirmed.
