Nigeria may play Iran in 2011

By Ifeanyi Ibeh


November 17, 2010




The Super Eagles may still get to test their mettle against their Iranian counterparts as there are plans to get both national teams to play one another in 2011, according to the Iranian Football Federation (FFI).

The Super Eagles had been billed to take on Iran later today at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, but the tie was cancelled on Monday at the instance of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Initial reports suggested that strained diplomatic relations between the two countries over a recent arms cache impounded last month in Lagos may have been the reason for the cancellation. The NFF’s acting Secretary General, Musa Amadu, in a letter to the FFI however said the unavailability of the country’s top players was why the NFF called off the game.

Regardless of the cancellation, Amadu, according to the FFI, has suggested playing two friendly matches against the Iranians next year.

“The Nigerian Football Federation secretary general Musa Amadu sent us a letter in which he stated their key players cannot accompany the team. Amadu suggested playing two friendlies in 2011,” said Abbas Torabian Director of the FFI’s International Committee in a report published by the Tehran Times.

Compensation

Torabian however said this won’t stop the Iranians from seeking compensation from the NFF over the cancellation.

“We sent a letter to Nigeria Football Federation and claimed compensation after the match was cancelled unilaterally, they answered our letter swiftly,” Torabian told the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA).

“The Nigerian side have admitted that Iran was right and the African country would pay compensation to us.” This view was also corroborated by the FFI’s president, Ali Kafashian.

“We have had a contract with Nigeria and the game was an important test before the Asian games,” Kafashian told the ISNA.

“Therefore, we will definitely sue the Nigeria Football Federation and demand compensation.”

Amadu declined to confirm or refute claims by Torabian that he had suggested friendly games between Nigeria and Iran in 2011.

Speaking to NEXT yesterday, Amadu said: “That is what he (Torabian) is quoted as saying but the fact of the matter is that the game will not take place on Wednesday.

“Further speculation will not make the game go on, so if people want to speculate now or in the future they are free to speculate,” he added.

Amadu also refused to comment on plans by the Iranians to claim compensation from the NFF, but he was quoted on a Nigerian website as saying: “All I can say at this time is that both federations are discussing and we hope to reach an amicable and reasonable settlement.

“We want to find a solution that will not damage the relationship between the two federations, and we hope to have all that resolved at the earliest possible time.”