NFF, Egypt In Talks To Reschedule Super Eagles Vs Pharaohs Pre-AFCON Friendly

NFF, Egypt In Talks To Reschedule Super Eagles Vs Pharaohs Friendly

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) are currently in talks to reschedule the international friendly between the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs, following a key adjustment to FIFA’s player-release window, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The match was originally slated for Sunday, 14 December, at the Cairo International Stadium. However, FIFA’s recent decision to shift the release date for European-based players participating in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from 8 December to 15 December has disrupted the initial arrangement. As a result, both federations are working to agree on a new date that ensures the availability of their major stars while the venue remains unchanged.

The revised FIFA window means that top Super Eagles players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, and Calvin Bassey will remain with their clubs deeper into the busy European festive schedule, delaying their arrival for national team duties. Prior to Wednesday’s announcement, teams were preparing to release African players as early as 8 December, a plan that had drawn criticism from several European clubs.

An NFF official, who requested anonymity, confirmed the ongoing discussions, telling BSN Sports:

“We are working with them (the Egyptian Football Association) to see the possibility of changing the date. Once everything is concluded, the federation will make an official announcement.”

The friendly match forms part of both nations’ preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, on Monday unveiled a 28-man provisional squad, while Nigeria earlier released a wider 54-man preliminary list as part of its buildup to the tournament.