Egypt’s highly anticipated friendly match against Nigeria has been pushed back by two days to 16 December, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) confirmed this development late on Friday, according to Ahram.
EFA Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly announced the rescheduled date, explaining that FIFA’s updated international release directive had forced both nations to adjust their final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preparations.
The Pharaohs were originally set to face the Super Eagles on 14 December as part of their build-up to AFCON 2025, which runs from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco.
But FIFA’s new circular now allows clubs to hold on to African players until 15 December, leaving both sides without access to their full squads for the initial date.
The change was critical for Egypt, who expect key players such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush to arrive only after the new release window. It also affects Nigeria significantly, with the majority of Eric Chelle’s core squad playing in Europe.
Egypt, seven-time African champions, are seeking their first continental title since 2010 and have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. They reached the final in both 2017 and 2021 but fell short to Cameroon and Senegal respectively. Head coach Hossam Hassan named his 28-man preliminary squad earlier in the week, with players gathering in Cairo on Wednesday for the final preparation camp.
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Nigeria forced into last-minute camp overhaul
For Nigeria, FIFA’s directive triggered a larger logistical upheaval. The Super Eagles were scheduled to open camp in Cairo on 10 December, followed by friendlies and a prompt flight to Morocco. That plan has now collapsed.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reportedly put a new training blueprint in place. Under the revised programme, the Super Eagles will open camp only on 14 December, giving Chelle barely a week to prepare before AFCON kicks off.
Nigeria will now meet Egypt on 16 December, though several uncertainties persist, including which players will be available and where the match will actually be played. Cairo is no longer feasible, and both federations are considering shifting the fixture to Morocco, where both camps hope to be based.
Nigeria’s build-up has been further complicated by injuries to Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu, while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement on Thursday. The 2023 AFCON Player of the Tournament had been central to Nigeria’s defensive leadership, making his withdrawal a heavy blow.
Chelle, who released a 55-man provisional list this week, must now trim to 28 amid a compressed schedule. Nigeria, drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, are chasing a fourth continental crown after triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.