AFCON Chaos Forces Nigeria, Egypt To Scrap Friendly — New Date In The Works

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have had to postpone their scheduled international friendly against Egypt, as both nations now work to secure a new date ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The match was initially slated for Sunday, December 14, at the Cairo International Stadium. However, changes to FIFA’s player-release timeline for AFCON have disrupted those plans. With many key players from both teams now permitted to join their national camps as late as December 15, the fixture can no longer hold as originally planned.

According to reports, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) are in active discussions to fix a new date. Cairo is expected to remain the venue, with both sides keen on ensuring maximum squad availability as they prepare for the continental showdown.

AFCON 2025 kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, December 21, and both teams are hoping to secure top-quality preparation ahead of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has a selection concern to manage, following injury updates regarding one of his newest midfield prospects.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, the highly rated 21-year-old midfielder included in Nigeria’s provisional AFCON squad, is still working his way back to full fitness. Akinsanmiro has impressed in Serie A with Pisa this season, but has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury suffered during the last international break.

Although the Inter Milan loanee had been expected to return in time for Pisa’s clash with Parma next Monday at the Arena Garibaldi, fresh reports from Parma Live indicate that he remains in individual training and has not yet been cleared to rejoin the main squad.

The youngster will undergo a late fitness assessment before any decision is made on his match involvement — and his AFCON hopes could hinge on it. Chelle is expected to monitor the situation closely before finalising his squad list for the tournament.