Nigeria Withdraws from US Friendlies to Focus on World Cup Playoffs

The Nigerian national football team has abandoned scheduled friendlies in the US against Venezuela and Colombia to prioritize preparations for the World Cup African playoffs. Nigeria will face Gabon in the playoff round, while Cameroon takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The winners of the playoffs will advance to the intercontinental playoff tournament for a chance to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup. The cancellation of the US friendlies leaves Venezuela and Colombia seeking alternative opponents for the November international window.