A new directive from world football governing body, FIFA, allowing clubs to retain their players until Monday, 15 December 2025, ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, has forced the postponement of the pre-tournament friendly between Nigeria and Egypt.
The fixture, originally set for Sunday, 14 December in Cairo, was arranged under earlier guidelines requiring clubs to release players sooner. However, the updated regulation means the match will now take place on Tuesday, 16 December.
In addition to the date change, the encounter has been reclassified as a practice match to enable both teams to field more than five substitutes. Kick-off remains scheduled for 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are drawn in Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda and Tanzania. The Eagles open their campaign on Tuesday, 23 December against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fès. They will subsequently face Tunisia on Saturday, 27 December, before completing their group stage fixtures against Uganda on Tuesday, 30 December.
Seven-time champions Egypt, hosts of the 2019 tournament, will compete in Group B with South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. Their group matches are scheduled for the Stade d’Agadir.
