Super Eagles Make U‑Turn — Cancel US Friendlies to Focus on World Cup Play‑offs!

Reported by David Joshua | www.selemedia.org

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the cancellation of the Super Eagles’ forthcoming friendlies in the United States against Venezuela national football team and Colombia national football team, originally scheduled for November 14 in Houston and November 18 in New York respectively. [1]

According to the federation, the decision follows Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play‑offs after a convincing 4‑0 win over the Benin national football team. With crucial semi‑final and final play‑off matches slated for November in Morocco, the NFF says the friendlies clash with the more pressing qualification schedule and will reallocate focus to the campaign. [2]

A top NFF official revealed that a clause in the contract for the United States matches specifically allows cancellation if the team qualifies for the play‑offs. “We had a clause in the contract for the games covering this eventuality,” the official stated. [3]
Nigeria, currently the highest‑ranked among the African play‑off sides, will face the Gabon national football team in the semi‑final on November 13. The winner will advance to face the victor of the other semi between Cameroon national football team and DR Congo national football team for a spot in the inter‑continental play‑offs. [3]

The change of plan reflects Nigeria’s strategic move to prioritise competitive fixtures that directly impact their World Cup ambitions over preparatory friendlies. As the federation shifts gears, the Super Eagles must now intensify preparations for what many view as the decisive phase of their qualification campaign.

Citations:

1. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/super-eagles-makes-a-u-turn-cancels-us-friendlies-due-to-world-cup-play-offs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. ESPN: www.espn.in/espn/story/_/id/46657542/nigeria-super-eagles-cancel-friendlies-usa-due-fifa-world-cup-playoffs?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. ESPN.com: www.espn.co.uk/espn/story/_/id/46657542/nigeria-super-eagles-cancel-friendlies-usa-due-fifa-world-cup-playoffs?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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