Nigeria’s pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt has been shifted by two days following the new FIFA directive allowing clubs to retain their players until Monday, 15 December 2025, just days before the 35th Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs were originally scheduled to face off in Cairo on Sunday, 14 December, but the fixture will now take place on Tuesday, 16 December.
The adjustment became necessary after FIFA confirmed that clubs can hold on to their players until the new release date.
In addition to the change in schedule, the match will now hold as a practice game rather than a full international friendly, enabling both sides to exceed the standard five substitutions. Kickoff is slated for 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.
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Nigeria head into AFCON 2025 placed in Group C, where they will battle Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. The Super Eagles open their campaign on Tuesday, 23 December against the Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, before facing the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia on 27 December and wrapping up the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.
Egypt, seven-time African champions and hosts of the 2019 edition, have been drawn in Group B and will play their matches at the Stade d’Agadir. The Pharaohs will contend with South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
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