Germany, England and Portugal are among several leading football nations to have expressed interest in arranging friendly matches against Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the World Cup, according to reports.
Despite failing to qualify for the tournament, Nigeria’s strong performances at the Africa Cup of Nations have made the Super Eagles an attractive opponent for teams preparing for the finals, which will be staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The interest reflects Nigeria’s continued standing as one of Africa’s most competitive sides, even in the absence of World Cup qualification.
OwnGoalNigeria.com reports that multiple national teams have made contact with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to explore the possibility of high-profile warm-up games.
Sources close to the federation suggest that these approaches are largely driven by teams drawn against African opposition in the group stage, who view Nigeria as a credible and demanding test.
Among the countries linked with potential friendlies are Germany, England and France, all of whom are set to face African teams during the early stages of the tournament.
Playing Nigeria is seen as an opportunity to prepare tactically and physically for the intensity and style often associated with African football.
Recent reports had suggested that Portugal had already reached an agreement to face the Super Eagles before the World Cup.
However, officials within the NFF have dismissed those claims, saying that no such deal has been finalised and that discussions remain at a preliminary stage.
The growing interest comes despite Nigeria’s absence from the World Cup itself, underlining the impact of the team’s recent AFCON campaign.
Their performances during the tournament enhanced their reputation and reinforced the view that they remain capable of competing with top international sides.
While no fixtures have yet been confirmed, the level of attention highlights the Super Eagles’ continued relevance on the global stage.
For the NFF, the prospect of arranging friendlies against some of the world’s leading teams could offer valuable exposure and competitive preparation as Nigeria look ahead to future international commitments.
Any agreements would depend on scheduling, logistical considerations and the alignment of preparation plans on both sides.
For now, the federation is understood to be assessing the various approaches, with no official announcements expected until negotiations are concluded.
