Aminu Salisu SodangiThe Super Eagles of Nigeria will no longer proceed with the scheduled friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia in the United States next month, as disclosed by a source affiliated with the NFF to ESPN.
Last month, the NFF had announced that the Super Eagles were set to face Colombia at Citi Field in New York on November 18 and Venezuela at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston on November 14.
However, due to the Super Eagles’ late qualification for the play-offs following their 4-0 victory over Benin Republic last week, the matches have been canceled to allow the team to concentrate on the play-off qualification matches. The play-offs will include Nigeria, along with Cameroon, Congo DR, and Gabon, in a one-legged, two-semi-final format. The winners of these semi-finals and the final will represent Africa in the intercontinental play-offs.
“We included a clause in the contract for the games to address this situation, should we qualify for the playoffs. Therefore, we will not be proceeding with the matches any longer,” an official informed ESPN.
“Our objective is to focus on the playoffs now, qualify from Africa, and subsequently prepare for the intercontinental playoffs.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria hold the highest ranking in the play-offs and will compete against Gabon. The winner of this match will face the victor of the encounter between Cameroon and Congo DR.
