NFF cancels Super Eagles friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia – Reports

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially called off the Super Eagles’ planned international friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia.

The two matches, originally scheduled to take place in the United States, were part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff campaign.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NFF explained that the decision was made to enable the team to fully concentrate on preparations for the upcoming qualifiers.

According to the federation, a revised training and travel schedule now has the Super Eagles set to open camp in Rabat, Morocco, on November 9 — just four days before their crucial playoff semi-final against Gabon on November 13.

An NFF source disclosed that the technical team and management mutually agreed to cancel the U.S. friendlies due to concerns over travel distance and limited recovery time, which could have negatively affected the players’ readiness for the decisive fixtures.

“The focus now is on getting the players together early in Morocco and ensuring proper tactical and physical preparation for the qualifiers,” the source explained.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final stage of the playoffs, with the winner advancing to the final on November 16 to take on either Cameroon or DR Congo.

The eventual winner of the playoff series will clinch a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to name his final squad in the coming days, with the majority of players expected to report to camp in Rabat by November 8.

The Super Eagles will be eager to secure a return to the global stage after missing out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.