Int’l Friendly: All eyes on Osimhen, Salah as Nigeria play Egypt Dec 16

The friendly match between Egypt and Nigeria has been moved from December 14 to December 16, PM News has gathered.

The Vice President of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), Khaled El-Darandaly, announced the change.

The match is part of both countries’ preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will take place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, 2026.

FIFA earlier stated that clubs must release players to their national teams starting December 15. Because of this, the match was moved so key players can be available. Some of those players include Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.

Egypt, who have won the AFCON title seven times, are in Group B along with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

Egypt reached the AFCON finals in 2017 and 2021, but lost to Cameroon and Senegal respectively.

On Monday, Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, announced a 28-man provisional squad. The team will gather in Cairo on Wednesday to begin their final training camp ahead of the tournament.

Egypt, who have won the AFCON title seven times, are in Group B along with South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. They reached the finals in 2017 and 2021 but lost to Cameroon and Senegal.

On Monday, Egypt’s head coach, Hossam Hassan, announced a 28-man provisional squad. The team will gather in Cairo on Wednesday to begin their final training camp ahead of the tournament.