Super Eagles latest decision proves NFF no longer believe in 2026 World Cup dream

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face Colombia in an international friendly in the United States this November, a fixture that raises eyebrows given its timing. 

The game is set for the Citi Field in New York on 18 November 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time (CST), which translates to 3 a.m. on 19 November in Nigeria. Their most recent clash was in 2010 at Milton Keynes, where Lukman Haruna’s strike cancelled out Carlos Valdés’ opener in a 1-1 draw. Prior to that, their only other encounter came in 1994.

The Super Eagles will also do battle with Venezuela at the Shell Stadium in Houston in another friendly four days before the game against Colombia.

By arranging these fixtures in November, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) appears to have signalled a shift in focus away from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Confederation of African Football has scheduled its playoffs for the same international window, yet Nigeria’s attention is firmly fixed on friendlies in the United States.

Have the Super Eagles given up on World Cup qualification?

Before November’s engagement, Nigeria must navigate their final group matches in October, when they meet Lesotho and Benin Republic. 

The Super Eagles have endured a turbulent campaign, winning only two of their opening eight games. They sit third in Group C with 11 points, chasing a direct qualification berth that currently belongs to South Africa.

Bafana Bafana lead the standings with 17 points, although their tally could yet be altered by FIFA’s review of midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s suspension against Lesotho. Benin Republic are second on 14 points, three ahead of Nigeria. With that position, they rank eighth among the ten nations vying for four playoff places.

Having maximum points in October would bring Nigeria to 17, potentially opening a path to the playoffs if other results align. Yet, with CAF’s knockout stage set between 10 and 18 November, Nigeria’s scheduling of a friendly in Houston suggests the federation may already be looking beyond qualification.