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Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been disrupted following a late FIFA directive that has forced the Nigeria Football Federation to abandon its original plans, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to open camp in Cairo on 10 December and face Egypt in a friendly on 14 December. However, those arrangements have been rendered unworkable after FIFA allowed European clubs to delay the release of African players until 15 December.
: FIFA confirmed clubs ONLY have until December 15 to keep players selected for the AFCON, even though the release date was meant to be December 7.
— The Ball Business (@Ballbusiness_) December 3, 2025
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, giving national… pic.twitter.com/OAfn7QXCZS
With most of Nigeria’s core players based in Europe, the NFF has been compelled to reorganise its schedule. According to ScoreNigeria, camp will now begin on 14 December, only a week before the AFCON kicks off, and will take place in Morocco, the host nation of the tournament.
The change throws the Egypt friendly into uncertainty. The match is unlikely to be held in Cairo and may be cancelled altogether, unless both federations agree to move it to Moroccan soil.
Nigeria’s build-up has also been affected by injuries to several key players, including Ola Aina and Felix Agu. The team suffered an additional setback when captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football.
Head coach Eric Chelle, who recently released a 55-man provisional list, must now adjust his plans while trimming his squad to 28. Nigeria, aiming to win a fourth AFCON title, have been drawn in a group with Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.
