Nigeria’s pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt has been pushed back by two days following a new FIFA directive that allows clubs to keep their players until Monday, 15 December 2025, Afrosport reports.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs were initially set to meet in Cairo on Sunday, 14 December, but the match will now be played on Tuesday, 16 December.
The change comes after FIFA confirmed that clubs are permitted to hold on to their players until the updated release date.
In addition, the fixture has been reclassified as a practice match rather than a full international, meaning both teams will be allowed to make more than the usual five substitutions. Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm local time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria have been drawn in Group C for AFCON 2025, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda. Eric Chelle’s side open their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fes, before meeting Tunisia on 27 December and finishing the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.
Meanwhile, seven-time champions Egypt are placed in Group B and will play their matches at the Stade d’Agadir. The Pharaohs will take on South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
