NFF Cancels Venezuela, Colombia Friendlies After Super Eagles’ Playoff Qualification

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly cancelled the proposed international friendlies between the Super Eagles and the national teams of Venezuela and Colombia, earlier scheduled to take place in the United States in November.

A reliable source at the Sunday Dankaro House disclosed that the decision was reached during a recent closed-door meeting of the football body. The cancellation follows Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs, set to hold in Morocco next month.

According to the source, the NFF decided that it was more important for the players to focus on preparing for the crucial playoff fixtures rather than engaging in friendly matches that fall within the same period.

> “The friendlies have been called off because their dates clash with the World Cup playoffs scheduled for Morocco in November,” a top NFF official, who requested anonymity, told The Guardian.
“Besides, the agreement for the friendlies includes a clause that allows cancellation should the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup playoffs,” the official added.


The Super Eagles were initially set to face Venezuela on November 14 and Colombia on November 18. However, they will now take on Gabon in the World Cup playoff semifinal on November 13 in Morocco, with the final slated for November 16.

The NFF is expected to make an official announcement confirming the cancellation in the coming days.