A change in FIFA’s player-release regulation has prompted the rescheduling of the highly anticipated pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Egypt.
Both teams were initially set to face off on Sunday, December 14, in Cairo. However, FIFA’s directive allowing clubs to retain their players until Monday, December 15, 2025, ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, has made the earlier date impractical.
Following the adjustment, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association have agreed to hold the match on Tuesday, December 16, at the Cairo International Stadium. The encounter will kick off at 8:00 p.m. Egypt time (7:00 p.m. Nigeria time).
Match Converted to Practice Session
In addition to the date change, the fixture has now been officially classified as a practice match rather than a standard international friendly. This modification will allow both coaching crews to make more than five substitutions, giving them broader flexibility to assess squad depth before AFCON begins.
Nigeria’s AFCON Path
The Super Eagles head to Morocco placed in Group C, alongside:
- Tunisia (2004 champions)
- Uganda (1978 runners-up)
- Tanzania
Nigeria opens its campaign on Tuesday, December 23, against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. The team will later face:
- Tunisia on Saturday, December 27
- Uganda on Tuesday, December 30
Egypt’s Tournament Schedule
Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, will compete in Group B, featuring:
- South Africa
- Angola
- Zimbabwe