FIFA’s recent ruling allowing clubs to retain their players until Monday, 15 December 2025, ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has forced a change in plans for Nigeria’s pre-tournament preparations.
As a result, the friendly between Nigeria and Egypt, initially slated for Sunday, 14 December in Cairo, has been postponed to Tuesday, 16 December.
The adjustment follows the updated FIFA regulation, which shifted the player release timeline.
The match will now be classified as a practice encounter, enabling both teams to make use of more than the usual five substitutions.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 pm local time in Egypt (7:00 pm Nigeria time) at Cairo Stadium.
The Super Eagles, three-time AFCON champions, are drawn in Group C alongside 2004 winners Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda, and Tanzania.
Nigeria will open their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, before facing Tunisia on Saturday, 27 December, and concluding the group stage against Uganda on Tuesday, 30 December.
Egypt, seven-time champions and hosts of the 2019 edition, are placed in Group B with 1996 winners South Africa, 2010 hosts Angola, and Zimbabwe, with all matches set to be played at the Stade d’Agadir.
