Super Eagles cancel their U.S. friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia to focus on World Cup playoff matches in Morocco
Super Eagles friendlies cancellation has been confirmed, as Nigeria’s senior men’s team has officially called off its planned international matches against Venezuela and Colombia in the United States next month.
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According to ESPN, the decision was made to prioritise preparation for the CAF World Cup playoff matches scheduled for November in Morocco.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had earlier announced the two friendlies in September — fixtures that were meant to hold on November 14 at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium and November 18 at Citi Field in New York.
However, following Nigeria’s qualification for the playoffs after last week’s win over Benin Republic, the federation has confirmed that the U.S. tour will no longer proceed.
An NFF official told ESPN: “We had a clause in the contract for the games covering this eventuality. Since we’ve qualified for the playoffs, we will not be going ahead with the matches.
Our goal now is to concentrate fully on qualifying for the World Cup.”
The playoffs, slated for November 13–16 in Morocco, will see Nigeria face Gabon in the semifinals.
Currently ranked 41st in the world, the Super Eagles are the highest-ranked team among the four playoff contenders — Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon completing the quartet.
The winner between Nigeria and Gabon will face the victor of Cameroon vs. Congo DR for Africa’s lone ticket to the intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for Mexico in March 2026.
Beyond the World Cup path, the Moroccan fixtures also serve as early preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their campaign kicks off on December 23 in Fez.
Tickets for the cancelled U.S. friendlies had already gone on sale, but ESPN reports that refund procedures will be announced shortly.
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For now, the message from the NFF is clear — the Super Eagles friendlies cancellation underscores Nigeria’s singular focus: securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
