Nigeria vs Egypt: Super Eagles friendly against Pharaohs postponed after new FIFA directive

The highly anticipated international friendly between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Egyptian Pharaohs has been delayed by two days and will now hold on December 16, according to confirmation from the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

The fixture, initially scheduled for December 14, will now take place just five days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Announcing the decision, EFA Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly cited a new circular issued by FIFA which permits clubs to retain African players until December 15, thereby preventing most European-based internationals from featuring on the earlier date.

“The match has been moved to December 16 due to FIFA’s latest directive on the release of players,” El-Darandaly said.

The development affects both teams heavily, with the majority of Egypt and Nigeria’s key squad members currently playing in Europe.

Seven-time African champions Egypt have already opened camp in Cairo ahead of AFCON 2025. Coach Hossam Hassan named a 28-man provisional squad earlier in the week as the Pharaohs chase their first continental title since 2010.

Egypt have been drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

However, the change has created even greater disruption for Nigeria. The Super Eagles had initially planned to open their pre-tournament training camp in Cairo on December 10, but that schedule has now been cancelled.

The postponement also means the originally planned venue of Cairo is no longer guaranteed, with both federations now considering moving the match to Morocco.

For both Nigeria and Egypt, the rearranged friendly will serve as an important final test before the tournament kicks off on December 21 in Morocco.