Nigeria cancel friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia

Nigeria Football Federation have canceled their scheduled friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia next month.

The move stem from the Super Eagles impending 2026 World Cup playoff, scheduled for November 2025 in Morocco.

The three-time AFCON winners missed out on automatic World Cup qualification, and are set to participate in the four-nation continental playoff to determine their fate for the global showpiece next year.

Nigeria had scheduled friendlies against Venezuela (November 14) and Colombia (November 18) as part of preparation for the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco.

Having missed out on World Cup qualification, Nigeria have moved to cancel the impending friendlies to focus on the playoff as they seek to secure a place at the biggest soccer mundial.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the playoff semifinal on November 13, with the final slated for November 16.

“The friendlies have been called off because the date clashed with World Cup playoffs slated for Morocco in November… Besides, the clause in the friendlies allows cancellation should Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.”

“This is so that the national team can fully focus on sealing their spot in the World Cup” a top NFF official stated.

A playoff victory would secure Nigeria a spot in the intercontinental playoffs – another chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.