The highly anticipated pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Egypt has been postponed following a recent decision by FIFA regarding player release regulations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Originally scheduled for Sunday, 14 December 2025, in Cairo, the clash between seven-time winners Egypt and three-time winners Nigeria was intended as a key warm-up for both sides ahead of the continental tournament.
However, FIFA’s directive now allows clubs to retain their players until Monday, 15 December 2025, prompting a rescheduling of the match.
The friendly will now take place on Tuesday, 16 December, with a slight change in format: it will be treated as a practice match, permitting both teams to use more than five substitutes.
Kick-off is set for 8pm local time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, are drawn in Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda, and Tanzania.
Their opening game in the tournament will be against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on Tuesday, 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Subsequent matches include clashes with Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on Saturday, 27 December, and Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, 30 December.
Egypt, who hosted the 2019 finals, are placed in Group B with 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, 2010 hosts Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their group stage matches will be held at the Stade d’Agadir.
The postponement offers both teams extra preparation time, allowing coaches to finalize tactical plans and integrate returning club players ahead of Africa’s premier football tournament.
