Super Eagles AFCON 2025 plan suffers major disruption

Nigeria’s preparations for AFCON 2025 have taken another expected turn after Egypt confirmed that their friendly against the Super Eagles has been shifted to 16 December. 

The fixture, originally pencilled in for 14 December, was forced into a new window following FIFA’s latest release guidelines for international duty. That update meant African players will not be available to their national teams until 15 December, leaving both camps unable to assemble full squads in time for the earlier date.

The Egyptian Football Association, through vice president Khaled El-Darandaly, acknowledged the late change and indicated that the shift was inevitable once the new directive landed. 

Egypt had already begun camp and were preparing for Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and several others to arrive under the revised release rule. Nigeria face similar disruption, with most of Eric Chelle’s leading men also tied to European clubs.

Super Eagles forced into a new AFCON 2025 build-up plan

The rearrangement has caused a complete rethink of Nigeria’s timetable. The initial plan to open camp in Cairo on 10 December, play warm-up matches, then depart quickly for Morocco has been abandoned. 

The NFF has now moved the start of camp to 14 December, leaving Chelle with a drastically shortened runway before the tournament begins. Even the venue of the Egypt match is uncertain, with Cairo no longer practical and Morocco emerging as a likely alternative.

The setbacks come at a difficult moment for the Super Eagles. Injuries to Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu have limited Chelle’s options, while William Troost-Ekong’s retirement on Thursday removed a major leadership presence from the squad. The coach must now cut his 55-man provisional list to 28 in a condensed preparation period that leaves almost no room for error.

Egypt, meanwhile, continue their push for an eighth African title and have been drawn in Group B. Nigeria will contest Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, still aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2013.