The friendly match between Egypt and Nigeria has been postponed to December 16, Egyptian Football Association Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly announced on Friday.
The Pharaohs had been scheduled to face the Super Eagles on December 14 as part of both teams’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
FIFA previously confirmed that players may leave their clubs to join national teams starting December 15. The match was therefore moved to ensure the availability of Egypt’s key players, including Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, for the Nigerians who are largely playing in the European leagues.
Three-time African champions Nigeria, are in the same AFCON group as Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda but have been runners many times including losing in the final game to the host country in the last edition held in Cote d’Ivoire.
Seven-time African champions Egypt, who are seeking their first continental title since 2010, were drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
The Pharaohs reached the final in both 2017 and 2021, losing to Cameroon and Senegal, respectively.
On Monday, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan named a 28-man preliminary squad for AFCON, with the group assembling in Cairo on Wednesday for their final preparation camp.
Nigeria’s coach Eric Chelle released a 55-man list for camping on Wednesday and the Super Eagles camp will open in Egypt by the weekend.
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