Nigeria Super Eagles’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been dealt an early setback, with Paris FC forward Moses Simon expected to miss next month’s high-profile friendly against Egypt in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The winger, one of the Super Eagles’ most experienced attackers, is widely expected to make the final AFCON squad, but club-country scheduling has placed his availability in serious doubt.
A report from RMC Sport indicates that Paris FC will not release any of their African players before 14 December, the exact date of the friendly.
With Simon required to remain in France until matchday, his participation is effectively ruled out unless the fixture is shifted, a scenario that appears increasingly unlikely.
Simon’s absence would be a significant blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who has yet to announce his provisional or final squad for the tournament but views the 29-year-old as central to his attacking structure.
His unavailability also highlights a growing issue for African nations this year: a congested European calendar running directly into the AFCON window.
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Nigeria may also head into the Egypt friendly without several of their Premier League stars.
Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey are all expected to feature in a league fixture against Burnley on 13 December, while Tolu Arokodare’s Wolverhampton Wanderers will be away to Arsenal that same weekend. Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is also unlikely to be released, with the Bees set to face Leeds United on 14 December.
The scheduling conflict extends beyond Nigeria.
Egypt, Africa’s most successful AFCON nation, are grappling with similar uncertainty.
The Egyptian Football Association has contacted Liverpool and Manchester City for clarity on the availability of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush but is yet to receive formal responses. This is according to Filgoal.
Both players face Premier League commitments on the weekend of the friendly: Liverpool host Brighton on 13 December, while Manchester City take on Crystal Palace the day before Nigeria arrive in Cairo.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has delegated negotiations to EFA President Hani Abu Rida as the Pharaohs finalise their AFCON preparations.
But with the tournament kicking off on 21 December in Morocco, both nations are juggling the dual demands of securing a strong warm-up and navigating the increasingly fraught player-release landscape.
Match details
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Egypt (Friendly)
- Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
- Venue: Cairo International Stadium
- Purpose: AFCON 2025 preparation for both teams