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Precious Josiah
FIFA’s decision to allow clubs to hold onto players until December 15 has led to the postponement of Nigeria’s pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt.
The match, initially scheduled for December 14, has been rescheduled for December 16, 2025.
This change is due to FIFA’s shortened release period, aimed at reducing the impact on various parties.
Nigeria, in Group C, faces Tanzania on December 23, Tunisia on December 27, and Uganda on December 30 in the tournament.
Egypt, holders of the record of winning the tournament seven-times were scheduled to face Nigeria for a friendly match in Cairo on Sunday 14 of December. The match was postponed to Tuesday,16th of December due to the regulations.
The Nigeria-Egypt game, rescheduled for Tuesday, December 16, will now be a practice match, allowing both teams to use more than five substitutes. Kickoff is 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Group C of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals, alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Their matches are: December 23: Tanzania Complexe Sportif Des Fes,December 27: Tunisia Complexe Sportif de Fes,December 30: Uganda Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Egypt, the Pharaohs, are in Group B, alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, playing their matches at the Stade d’Agadir.
Aside from the postponement, the game will now be a practice match in order to allow the two teams to make use of more than five substitutes in the encounter, which will kick off at 8pm Egypt time (7pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo Stadium.