On November 14, 2025, the Nigerian Super Eagles are set to clash with Venezuela in an international friendly at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium, Texas, as part of their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, according to Soccernet.ng.
Despite widespread speculation within Nigerian football circles, the Nigerian Football Federation has yet to officially confirm this fixture.
The squad, previously managed by Jose Peseiro-who led Nigeria to the 2023 AFCON final-is currently being readied for the upcoming tournament under new guidance.
Venezuela vs. Nigeria – International Friendly pic.twitter.com/yCwUa9Escx
– POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) September 11, 2025
Nevertheless, debate persists among Nigerian football enthusiasts about whether Venezuela represents the ideal challenge for the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025.
Venezuela: A Limited Challenge
Although Venezuela has demonstrated moments of grit within South American football, they have yet to establish themselves as a dominant force on the continent.
Currently positioned outside the top tiers in FIFA’s rankings and grappling with inconsistency, Venezuela may not be the opponent capable of thoroughly testing Nigeria’s vulnerabilities.
While Venezuela can provide a physically demanding and organized contest, the caliber of opposition is crucial when gearing up for AFCON, where Nigeria is expected to face formidable teams like Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, and Ivory Coast.
These elite teams capitalize swiftly on errors and relentlessly exploit weaknesses-experiences that a match against Venezuela might not fully replicate.
The Need for More Formidable Opponents
Concerns have been raised about Eric Chelle’s tactical approach following Nigeria’s recent World Cup qualifying matches. To address these shortcomings, the Super Eagles require encounters with high-quality, in-form teams.
Valuable Experience, Yet Insufficient
This friendly does offer some benefits, allowing Chelle to evaluate his squad, try out new strategies, and monitor player fitness.
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However, for comprehensive preparation, Nigeria would benefit more from facing a top-tier African nation or a competitive European or South American team with a strong track record.
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