Egypt, Nigeria friendly moved to Dec. 16

The friendly match between Egypt and Nigeria has been postponed to 16 December, Egyptian Football Association (EFA) Vice President Khaled El-Darandaly has said.

The Pharaohs had been scheduled to face the Super Eagles on 14 December as part of both teams’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026.

FIFA previously confirmed that players may leave their clubs to join national teams starting 15 December. The match was therefore moved to ensure the availability of key players, including Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, for the Nigeria test.

Seven-time African champions Egypt, seeking their first continental title since 2010, were drawn into 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.