The Coronavirus Pandemic may now force international matches like those of the Super Eagles not to be played this year as the various leagues around the world would be top priority should life return to normal soon, according to FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani.
FIFA have already called off international matches in March and June no thanks to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Eagles last played on November 17, 2019, when they beat hosts Lesotho 4-2 in a 2021 AFCON qualifier.
The double-header against Sierra Leone in March as well as an AFCON qualifier in Benin in June have since been postponed.
The Eagles are now scheduled to host Lesotho in a reverse tie for the 2021 AFCON on September 8.
Montagliani, who leads a FIFA committee to oversee the fall-outs for football because of the Coronavirus, has now warned that the international windows of September, October and November could also be called off.
“Personally, I think it will be a challenge (to play international games then). Not only because of the health problems around the world and the need for preparation, but also with regard to having to go abroad as soon as we start again,” said the president of CONCACAF.
“I think the leagues will be first priority. The international matches in September are still ahead, but I would rather not say that they are not safe because such things are now.”
He further suggested that the qualifying format of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar may have to be redesigned on account of these several postponements.
