Nigeria have confirmed a high-profile international friendly against Venezuela on November 14, 2025, in Houston, marking a key preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
The match will be staged at Shell Energy Stadium, home of Houston Dynamo FC, with kick-off set for 8:00 p.m. CT. Tickets are already on sale through SeatGeek, starting at $20.
Nigeria hold a perfect record against Venezuela, winning all three previous encounters, including a 3–1 triumph in Miami in 2012. However, Venezuela’s recent attacking form suggests an open contest.
The Super Eagles enter the fixture third in their World Cup qualifying group after a 1–0 win over Rwanda and a 1–1 draw with South Africa. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to rotate his squad, giving younger players a chance to impress before AFCON.
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For Venezuela, this marks a second U.S. trip in as many years. They concluded CONMEBOL qualifiers with heavy defeats to Argentina and Colombia, conceding nine goals across two matches. Manager Fernando Batista is likely to field experimental lineups as he rebuilds confidence.
Houston last hosted Nigeria in 2013, when the Super Eagles drew 2–2 with Mexico. Venezuela also played in the city last year, drawing 0–0 with Guatemala.
Form guide
Nigeria have shown flashes of resilience but remain inconsistent, averaging 1.8 goals per game in 2025. In contrast, Venezuela conceded 29 goals in qualifiers- talking of their defensive weaknesses.
Key players to watch include Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Venezuela’s veteran striker Salomón Rondón, still leading the line after more than 120 caps.
The friendly will air on beIN Sports and local streaming services, giving fans a clash of African against South American. Both nations view the fixture as a testing ground for their 2026 ambitions.
