AFCON 2025: Does player release schedule help or hinder Super Eagles?

FIFA has thrown another twist into the already complicated build-up to AFCON 2025, confirming a late change to when clubs must release their African players ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

The world football governing body had initially drawn a firm line at December 8, a date meant to help national teams gather early and begin full preparations.

That position has now been softened. After days of agitation from European clubs facing a heavy run of fixtures, FIFA informed federations on Monday that the release window has been shifted to December 15. Teams across Europe had argued that losing key players a week earlier would disrupt league schedules, domestic cup ties, and importantly continental matches approaching the halfway point of the season.

🚨 EXCL: Sunderland’s SEVEN AFCON players are set to be available for the Wear-Tyne derby next weekend.
🌍 FIFA has informed clubs that they will be able to retain players selected for AFCON until December 15.
⚽️ High-flying Sunderland host Newcastle the day before, December… pic.twitter.com/q5vnHBHsOH

— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) December 1, 2025

This revision allows clubs to keep their African internationals for one more round of important games, effectively shrinking the time national coaches hoped to spend shaping their final strategies before AFCON 2025 begins.

What this means for the Super Eagles ahead of AFCON 2025

The later release date does not do the Super Eagles any favours.

Nigeria’s situation is unlike teams that have spent years together under one manager. Eric Chelle has not yet enjoyed a proper training window with the full squad since taking over, and AFCON was supposed to provide that opportunity. Every extra day mattered.

Instead, the new timeline means the team’s build-up will be squeezed even further. Nigeria had planned an early camp and a meaningful run-up to the Egypt friendly, hoping to use it as a sharpener before moving to Fes. Now, Chelle will get his players barely in time to meet, train briefly, and travel.

This rule change naturally benefits nations with long-established structures. Nigeria who have several positions remain open, combinations untested, and tactical work ongoing now suffer loss in valuable preparation time.