The Nigeria Football Federation says it is closely monitoring the escalating conflict involving Iran as uncertainty grows over the Nigeria national football team’s planned international friendlies during the March FIFA window.

Nigeria had been scheduled to participate in a four-nation invitational tournament in Amman, where the Super Eagles were due to face Iran on March 27 before meeting hosts Jordan national football team on March 31.

Costa Rica national football team was also expected to feature in the mini competition.

However, the arrangement has been thrown into doubt after Iran withdrew from the tournament amid rising political and military tensions in the Middle East.

ESPN journalist Colin Udoh reported over the weekend that organisers were exploring the possibility of moving the matches from the Middle East to Europe as a precaution.

Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra on the development, NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire said discussions were ongoing while authorities continued to monitor the situation.

“The NFF and the organisers are watching developments with keen interest,” Olajire said.

When asked whether a specific European country had been identified as a possible alternative venue, Olajire said the responsibility lies with the tournament organisers.

“If this is confirmed, it is the prerogative of the organisers to find a replacement,” he added.

The crisis intensified after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive operation against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions across the region. Several countries have since experienced missile and drone strikes, forcing the closure of airspace and raising security concerns that have begun to affect sporting activities.

With Iran’s withdrawal, the original four-team format is now uncertain. Organisers are reportedly considering staging a single friendly between Nigeria and Jordan at a neutral venue in Europe if the tournament cannot proceed as planned.

Ibrahim Gusau previously indicated that the federation still has time to determine the best course of action.

“We are monitoring the situation for now, we still have three weeks,” Gusau said.

Securing at least one friendly match during the March international window remains a priority for the Super Eagles as the three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions continue their rebuilding process and prepare for upcoming competitive fixtures.