The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to lock horns with the Pharaohs of Egypt in a crucial preparatory match tonight, Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The encounter will be held at the iconic Cairo International Stadium as both African giants fine-tune their squads ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Match Status and Key Details
This fixture was originally planned as a full international friendly. However, FIFA regulations forced a one-day postponement, stripping the match of its official status. The governing body's rule, which allows clubs to retain players until December 15, impacted the initial schedule. Consequently, the game will proceed as a preparation match, offering both managers a valuable chance to experiment.
Coaches Eric Chelle of Nigeria and Hossam Hassan of Egypt are expected to use this opportunity to assess players, particularly those who are not regular starters. The focus will be on fitness and tactical cohesion rather than the result, given the altered nature of the contest.
Super Eagles and Pharaohs Team News
Both teams conducted training sessions at the Cairo Stadium on Monday, December 15, with squads not at full strength. For Egypt, key Europe-based stars like Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush were notably absent from the session.
The Nigerian camp saw 22 players participate, including early arrivals Francis Uzoho and Stanney Nwabali. Seven more players were expected to join the squad later. A major talking point is the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, who is yet to report to camp. Reports indicate he may fly directly to the team's training base in Morocco to manage his workload following recent injuries.
With Osimhen missing and other late arrivals, Coach Eric Chelle is predicted to field a strong 4-3-3 formation with available regulars. The likely starting lineup includes:
- Stanley Nwabali in goal.
- A defensive line of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi.
- A midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi.
- An attacking front of Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, and a replacement for the absent Osimhen.
Players who missed the Monday night training are considered unlikely to feature in this match.
Historical Context and Viewing Information
Historically, Nigeria holds a slight edge in this rivalry. According to statistics from 11v11, the two sides have met 20 times. The Super Eagles have won nine matches, drawn five, and lost six. Nigeria also won the most recent competitive encounter, a 1-0 victory in the group stage of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
As for watching the match, the change in its status has created uncertainty. The game is not listed on major sports broadcasting schedules. Platforms like Sporty TV and DStv's SuperSport have not included it in their Tuesday listings. Fans are advised to monitor official social media channels of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) for any last-minute streaming updates.
This match serves as a critical part of the final preparation phase for both nations before the AFCON tournament commences. All eyes will be on how the managers utilize their available resources in Cairo.
