Why Super Eagles vs Egypt will no longer be a typical friendly – what fans must know

The pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) friendly between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Egypt has been postponed to Tuesday, 16 December 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

This follows a FIFA regulation, as reported by New York Times, that allows clubs to retain their players until Monday, 15 December before releasing them for the 35th edition of the tournament slated to hold in Morocco.

This would see 2013 AFCON champions, who were slated to tackle Mohamed Salah and other Egyptian players before AFCON on the 14th of December, wait two more days for the exhibition.

Nigeria vs Egypt: Practice Match Allows More Substitutes

Aside from the rescheduled date, the game has now been classified as a practice match, which would enable both teams to use more than the standard five substitutes.

This change will give Eric Chelle and Hossam Hassan  additional flexibility to test formations, assess fringe players, and rotate the squad ahead of the tournament.

The match between the two teams is expected to kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at Cairo Stadium.

Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 Campaign

Nigeria, three-time AFCON winners, are in Group C, alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will open their tournament on 23 December against Tanzania, followed by clashes with Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.

Coach Chelle has recently named a 55-man provisional squad that combines experienced internationals like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Wilfred Ndidi with promising younger players.

The adjustment to a practice match format allows Chelle to experiment with line-ups and give some players an opportunity to stake a claim for tournament action.

Egypt’s Build-Up to AFCON

Seven-time AFCON champions Egypt are in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with all their group-stage matches scheduled at Stade d’Agadir.

The Pharaohs will also use the friendly against Nigeria to rotate players and refine tactics ahead of their opening game.