Initially scheduled for November 14 at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium and November 18 at Citi Field in New York, the friendlies were announced in September. 

However, Nigeria’s recent victory over Benin Republic secured their spot in the CAF World Cup playoffs, prompting the NFF to cancel the U.S. tour.An NFF official told ESPN, “Our contract accounted for this scenario. 

With playoff qualification confirmed, we’re fully focused on securing a World Cup spot.”The playoffs, set for November 13–16 in Morocco, pit Nigeria, ranked 41st globally and the highest-ranked playoff team, against Gabon in the semifinals. 

The winner will face either Cameroon or Congo DR for Africa’s sole intercontinental playoff berth in Mexico in March 2026.

The Morocco matches also serve as early preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria, 2023 runners-up, will compete in Group C against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, starting December 23 in Fez.

Tickets for the canceled friendlies were already on sale, with refund details to be announced soon, per ESPN. Nigeria’s sights are now set on the 2026 World Cup.