Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Egypt in a friendly match ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on December 16, after the fixture was shifted from its original December 14 date.
Gatekeepers News reports that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) explained the change in a statement on Monday, citing FIFA rules that allow clubs to retain players until December 15 before releasing them for the tournament.
The match, described by the NFF as a “practice match,” will take place at Cairo Stadium with a 7 p.m. kickoff (Nigerian time). Both teams will be permitted to use more than five substitutes during the game, giving coaches flexibility to test players and strategies.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had earlier released a 54-player provisional squad for AFCON. Among those named was team captain William Troost-Ekong, who recently announced his retirement from international football, making the upcoming tournament his last involvement with the national team. The NFF will trim the list to a final 28 players in the days ahead.
The Nigerian team is scheduled to arrive at its training camp in Egypt on December 10 and is expected to play additional friendly matches before AFCON kicks off on December 21.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C, alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, in the tournament.
