The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles will face Venezuela and Colombia in two high-profile international friendlies in November 2025.
The first fixture is scheduled for Friday, November 14, against Venezuela at the Shell Stadium in Houston, Texas. Kick-off is set for 8:00 p.m. local time, which translates to 1:00 a.m. in Nigeria.
Four days later, Eric Chelle’s men will square off against Colombia’s Los Cafeteros at Citi Field in Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York. This match will kick off at 1:00 a.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, November 18.
The two fixtures come as part of Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be hosted by Morocco in December. These games are intended to give the Super Eagles exposure against strong international opponents before the continental tournament.
Coach Eric Chelle emphasized the importance of these matches, noting that facing Venezuela and Colombia will help the team fine-tune their tactics and assess player form. “Playing against high-quality opponents is crucial for our preparation. It allows us to test different formations and build the chemistry required for AFCON,” Chelle stated.
Both Venezuela and Colombia are regarded as competitive sides in the international arena. Venezuela, known for its disciplined defense, and Colombia, with its blend of technical skill and tactical versatility, will present different challenges for Nigeria.
The decision to host the friendlies in the United States reflects a growing trend of Nigerian football engaging with its extensive diaspora. It also offers fans in North America an opportunity to witness the Super Eagles live.
NFF officials have indicated that ticket sales for the matches will commence shortly, and fans are encouraged to secure seats early given the expected high demand. Safety and security measures are also being coordinated with local authorities to ensure a smooth event.
Preparations for these friendlies are already underway, with the team expected to announce the final squad in late October. The matches will not only provide vital match practice but also allow new talents to showcase their potential on an international stage.
As the countdown to AFCON 2025 continues, these friendlies represent a strategic step in Nigeria’s bid to return to continental glory. Fans will be watching closely to see how Chelle’s squad performs against South American opposition.
The Super Eagles’ November tour is shaping up to be a crucial test for the team, promising high-stakes football and valuable insights ahead of Morocco’s AFCON 2025.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
