EFA Announces New Date for Egypt vs Nigeria Friendly Ahead of AFCON 2025

The Vice President of the Egyptian Football Association, Khaled El-Darandaly, has confirmed a new date for the highly-anticipated international friendly between the Pharaohs of Egypt and the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Originally slated for Sunday, December 14, the pre-AFCON clash will now be played on Tuesday, December 16, at the historic Cairo International Stadium, according to Egyptian outlet Ahram.

The adjustment comes after FIFA shifted the official release date of players for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, allowing clubs to hold onto their stars until just one week before the tournament kicks off. The late decision has forced several AFCON-bound nations to rethink their preparation schedules.

The 2025 AFCON finals will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026, with 24 nations battling for continental glory.

Opinion: A Necessary Delay — But Could Preparation Suffer?

While the date change may appear minor, it reflects a deeper frustration shared by most African football federations. Preparing for a major continental tournament is already a logistical challenge — now, national coaches face fewer training days, a tighter window to build tactical chemistry, and limited evaluation time for new talents.

For Nigeria and Egypt — two giants of African football with passionate fanbases — every minute of preparation matters. Both sides will arrive in Morocco not only with the expectation to perform but with the pressure to win.

Still, the rescheduled friendly could turn out to be a blessing in disguise:

✨ More players available
✨ Stronger squads on display
✨ A real competitive test just days before AFCON kicks off

Fans can now look forward to a heavyweight showdown under the Cairo lights — a match that won’t just entertain, but also reveal early hints of who looks ready to challenge for Africa’s crown.

Because when Nigeria and Egypt meet, it’s never just a friendly… it’s a preview of the battles to come.