Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been thrown off balance after a late FIFA directive forced the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to redraw its pre-tournament plans, Soccernet.ng reports.
This new development could also potentially see Nigeria cancel the much-anticipated friendly with Egypt.
The Super Eagles were initially scheduled to open camp in Cairo on 10 December, four days before facing the Pharaohs in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
That match was planned as the first of two tune-up games ahead of the AFCON, with Nigeria expected to fly to Morocco immediately afterwards to settle into their tournament base.
But the entire arrangement has now been disrupted by FIFA’s unexpected decision to shift the mandatory release date for Africa-bound players.
Originally, European clubs were obliged to release players on 8 December, giving national teams sufficient time to train and organise friendlies. Instead, a new FIFA circular issued this week now permits clubs to retain their African players until 15 December, seven days later than planned.
FIFA has informed clubs they will be able to retain players selected for AFCON until 15 December, six days before the tournament itself starts. [@SkySports_Keith] #AFCON pic.twitter.com/V76Lj6qhlj
— That's Football! (@ThatsFootballTV) December 1, 2025
The change strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s preparations, with the bulk of Eric Chelle’s core squad playing in Europe. With so many key players unavailable before 15 December, the NFF has been forced to reconsider both the structure and location of the team’s camp.
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Nigeria: Egypt friendly in doubt as Super Eagles shift base to Morocco
According to ScoreNigeria, a new training schedule has now been drawn up. Under the revised plan, the Super Eagles will open camp on 14 December, just one week before AFCON 2025 kicks off.
The camp, originally set for Cairo, will also be relocated to Morocco, the tournament host nation.
This reshuffle places the Egypt friendly in serious doubt. The match is no longer feasible in Cairo, and while both federations may yet agree to hold it in Morocco, there is a growing belief that it may be cancelled entirely. If played at all, it could become the only warm-up match available to both nations before the tournament begins.
Nigeria’s build-up has already suffered several setbacks. Injuries to Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu have weakened the squad, while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football on Thursday. Troost-Ekong's withdrawal is a major blow for Nigeria considering he was named Player of the Tournament in the 2023 AFCON edition.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who released a 55-man provisional list this week, must now trim his squad to 28 while managing a disrupted calendar and a shortened preparation window.
The Super Eagles, drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, are aiming to win their fourth AFCON crown after triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Despite the turbulence, expectations remain high. Chelle will hope that once assembled, his players can settle quickly in Morocco and build momentum toward a tournament where Nigeria will likely face heavyweight contenders including Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire and the hosts.
