The Pharaohs were initially scheduled to take on the Super Eagles on 14 December as part of both nations’ build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
However, FIFA regulations state that clubs are only required to release players for international duty from 15 December.
This prompted the fixture’s rescheduling to guarantee the availability of key stars, including Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Manchester City winger Omar Marmoush, for the high-stakes warm-up match against Nigeria.
Egypt, the record seven-time champions, head into the tournament determined to capture their first AFCON title since 2010.
They have been drawn in Group B, where they will face South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. The Pharaohs have come close in recent years, reaching the finals in both 2017 and 2021 before narrowly losing to Cameroon and Senegal, respectively.
On Monday, head coach Hossam Hassan unveiled a 28-man preliminary squad for the tournament, with the team set to convene in Cairo on Wednesday for their final preparation camp.
Nigeria also released their provisional list this week, naming a 52-man squad.
The announcement coincided with the unexpected retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong from international football—a decision that signals the start of a new era for the Super Eagles, while stirring significant debate among supporters ahead of the continent’s biggest competition.
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye