“Too passionate” – Former Super Eagles defender urges Nigeria to go all out against Iran

Former Super Eagles and Watford full-back Benedict Iroha has urged the Nigerian National team to make up for their World Cup miss with wins against Iran and Jordan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 56-year-old represented the Green and Whites on 35 occasions and was a part of the Nigerian team that lifted the AFCON 1994 title.

With Nigeria's chances of participating in the Mundial going down the drain after FIFA declined NFF's appeal, the Super Eagles can now look ahead to the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

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Iroha urges Super Eagles to give all in Iran, Jordan friendlies

While the friendlies serve as an opportunity for Eric Chelle to infuse new players and ideas into his philosophy, Iroha believes the games shouldn't be played with levity.

“It’s a friendly game, but I must say that matches involving the Super Eagles are always seen beyond the prism of friendly games,” the one-time MLS Cup winner said in quotes revealed by Complete Sports.

“Nigerians are too passionate about Super Eagles matches, whether friendly or competitive. It brightens the global football landscape because of our array of stars playing across the world.

“Everyone, Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike, wants to watch the team play. And these two games against Iran and Jordan are no different.

“I’ve seen the list of players already in camp for the two matches. How I wish the team were at the World Cup. Somehow, these games would have given us insight into what to expect from them at the tournament.

“But the sad reality is that these games will only remind us of what we would be missing at the World Cup finals with our absence from the tournament,” the 56-year-old concluded.

Nigeria will play against Iran on Friday, before they lock horns against Jordan next Tuesday at the Antalya Stadium in Turkiye.