Nigeria’s Super Eagles have canceled their November 14, 2025, friendly against Venezuela in Houston due to a direct clash with their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off semi-final in Morocco.
Nigeria’s preparation plans for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have shifted dramatically following their qualification for the World Cup play-offs.
The fixture against Venezuela, scheduled for Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium, has been scrapped after CAF confirmed Nigeria’s semi-final match against Gabon on November 13 in Morocco.
A second U.S. friendly against Colombia on November 18 in New York is also under review, with sources inside the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) indicating it will likely be canceled.
Interestingly, the Super Eagles’ advancement to the play-offs came after a 4-0 win over Benin Republic on October 10, where striker Victor Osimhen scored a hat-trick. That result secured Nigeria’s spot as one of Africa’s top group runners-up.
CAF’s decision to hold all play-off matches in Morocco between November 13 and 16 has left no room for long-distance travel. The logistics of returning from North Africa to the U.S. mid-tournament made the friendlies impossible.
Going forward, the NFF has not yet issued an official refund or rescheduling plan for ticket holders. The federation’s FIFA match agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, had organized the games to attract the African diaspora audience across the United States.
Nigeria’s focus turns to Gabon play-off
Nigeria will now face Gabon in a one-legged semi-final on November 13. The winner will meet either Cameroon or DR Congo on November 16, with the final winner advancing to the inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) chose Morocco as a neutral venue to ensure fairness. This marks a shift from previous qualification cycles, often criticized for home-ground imbalances.
Nigeria last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2018, exiting in the group stage after defeats to Croatia and Argentina. They missed the 2022 tournament after a penalty shootout loss to Ghana.
Under coach Eric Chelle, the team has regained form and confidence. A return to the World Cup would mark a significant revival for the three-time AFCON champions.
So, if Nigeria wins both matches in Morocco, they will face an opponent from Asia, CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, or Oceania in Mexico next March. They will have a final chance to reach the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2026.
For now, all attention shifts to Gabon. Victory there could mark the beginning of Nigeria’s long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.
