Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have taken a sharp turn, as FIFA’s updated release regulations have forced a change in the timing of their highly anticipated pre-tournament meeting with Egypt.
The new rule, which permits clubs to retain players until Monday, 15 December, has disrupted earlier plans and prompted national teams to swiftly adjust their schedules.
The Super Eagles and the Pharaohs had originally agreed to face off on Sunday, 14 December, but that arrangement is no longer feasible.
As a result of the shift, both federations have jointly settled on Tuesday, 16 December, as the new date for the warm-up encounter in Cairo. The modification, though inconvenient, ensures that both sides will finally have access to their full squads, and it also allows coaches to better align their tactical preparations with the tournament’s demands.
The fixture, however, will be classed as a practice match rather than a full international, primarily to permit both teams to use more than the standard five substitutes.
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AFCON warm-up takes new shape as coaches eye squad refinement
The game will kick off at 8pm local time (7pm Nigeria time) inside the iconic Cairo Stadium, where the atmosphere is expected to still reflect the intensity of a continental tournament.
Although the reclassification of the match means it will not carry official status, it remains crucial for both teams, who are eager to fine-tune systems, test combinations, and establish rhythm ahead of Morocco 2025.
Nigeria enter the competition in Group C, where they will square up against Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. The Super Eagles take on Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in their opening match on Tuesday, 23 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
They will then confront Tunisia on 27 December before rounding off the group phase against Uganda on 30 December.
Egypt, meanwhile, will campaign from Group B. The Pharaohs are drawn with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their group matches will unfold at the Stade d’Agadir, as they look to begin their quest for another AFCON title with a strong statement.
Tags: Super Eagles, Egypt, pre-AFCON match, AFCON warm-up, Morocco 2025.
