Super Eagles’ AFCON Plans Disrupted as FIFA Ruling Threatens Egypt Friendly

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been thrown into confusion after FIFA issued a late directive allowing European clubs to keep African players until 15 December. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had planned to open camp in Cairo on 10 December and face Egypt in a high-profile friendly four days later, but the new circular has forced a complete overhaul.

The original schedule gave national teams access to players from 8 December, but FIFA’s shift means many of Eric Chelle’s key men will not arrive until a week later. With most of the Super Eagles squad based in Europe, the NFF has been left with little choice but to abandon the Cairo camp and rebuild its plans from scratch.

According to reports, Nigeria will now open camp on 14 December in Morocco, the AFCON host nation. The relocation puts the Egypt friendly in serious doubt. Officials fear the match is “no longer feasible” in Cairo, and while both federations could move it to Morocco, there is growing belief it may be cancelled. If it goes ahead, it could become the only warm-up match available to both sides.

Nigeria’s build-up has already been hit by injuries to Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick and Felix Agu, as well as the shock retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong, who said it “kills you inside” to step away.

Chelle, who released a 55-man provisional list, must now trim his squad to 28 and prepare quickly as Nigeria pursues a fourth AFCON title.