Super Eagles’ U.S. friendlies in jeopardy as playoff dates clash

The friendly matches earlier planned between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South American sides Venezuela and Colombia are now likely to be cancelled following Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had arranged the international friendlies to keep the team active during the November window.

The first match was scheduled against Venezuela on November 14, followed by a clash with Colombia four days later in the United States.

However, the fixtures are now in doubt as the Super Eagles have advanced to the playoff stage after a dominant 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic on Tuesday night.

The win confirmed Nigeria’s spot in the crucial playoff round that will determine their qualification for the World Cup.

Head coach Éric Chelle and his team are now expected to shift their focus entirely to the playoffs.

Nigeria will face Gabon in the semi-final on Thursday, November 13. If they overcome the Panthers, they will go on to play either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final match for a World Cup ticket.

The cancellation of the U.S. friendlies will allow the Super Eagles to concentrate fully on preparation and recovery ahead of the high-stakes playoff encounters that could define their road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.