Egypt VS Nigeria meet in a crucial pre-AFCON 2025 friendly on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Cairo International Stadium at 18:00 GMT (8:00 PM Egypt local time / 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST), marking a final preparation test for both African giants before the continent’s flagship tournament begins on December 21 in Morocco.
The match originally scheduled for December 14 was postponed following FIFA’s directive allowing clubs to retain players until December 15, ensuring both sides can feature their full-strength squads led by Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Victor Osimhen (Nigeria).
This friendly represents a high-stakes battle between two AFCON contenders as they fine-tune tactical preparations and squad chemistry just days before tournament action commences. Last month, FIFA announced African players will be released on December 15 for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, which kicks off on December 21, 2025, and runs through January 18, 2026, across nine stadiums in six cities in Morocco.
Egypt vs Nigeria Match Information, Prediction, H2H and Where to Watch
Match Info
Egypt hosts Nigeria at Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 18:00 GMT (8:00 PM Egypt local time / 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST).
This International Friendly serves as crucial preparation for both nations ahead of the AFCON 2025 tournament scheduled for December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026 in Morocco.
Egypt’s AFCON Preparation:
The seven-time African champions are aiming for their first continental crown since 2010, having finished as runners-up in 2017 against Cameroon and in 2021 against Senegal.
Egypt has established a closed training camp beginning December 7 under coach Hossam Hassan, with a 28-man preliminary squad selected for final preparations. The Pharaohs are drawn in Group B alongside Zimbabwe, Angola, and South Africa, beginning their campaign on December 22 against Zimbabwe.
Egypt’s recent performances show positive momentum with victories over Equatorial Guinea (1-0) and Algeria (2-0) in earlier friendlies and qualifiers.
Nigeria’s AFCON Campaign:
The Super Eagles, managed by coach Eric Chelle, aim to challenge for continental glory after a mixed qualifying campaign. Nigeria are grouped in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, opening their tournament on December 23 against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles face injury concerns with reports indicating absences of Ola Aina, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Felix Agu. Additionally, captain William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement on December 9.
Despite setbacks, Nigeria’s squad includes star talent like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and creative midfielders capable of challenging Egypt’s Pharaohs.
Egypt Recent Matches
| Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upcoming | ||||
| Egypt vs Nigeria | TBD | Upcoming | International Friendly | Dec 16, 2025 |
| Egypt vs Zimbabwe | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 23, 2025 |
| Egypt vs South Africa | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 26, 2025 |
| Angola vs Egypt | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 28, 2025 |
| Completed | ||||
| Egypt vs Jordan | 0-3 | L | FIFA Arab Cup | Dec 9, 2025 |
| Egypt vs UAE | 1-1 | D | FIFA Arab Cup | Dec 7, 2025 |
| Egypt vs Kuwait | 1-1 | D | FIFA Arab Cup | Dec 2, 2025 |
Nigeria Recent Matches
| Opponent | Score | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upcoming | ||||
| Egypt vs Nigeria | TBD | Upcoming | International Friendly | Dec 16, 2025 |
| Nigeria vs Tanzania | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 23, 2025 |
| Nigeria vs Tunisia | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 28, 2025 |
| Uganda vs Nigeria | TBD | Upcoming | AFCON 2025 Group | Dec 26, 2025 |
| Completed | ||||
| Nigeria vs DR Congo | 1(3)-1(4) | L | World Cup Qualifier Final | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Nigeria vs Gabon | 4-1 | W | World Cup Qualifier Semifinal | Oct 13, 2025 |
Egypt vs Nigeria Head to Head
Egypt has a strong record against Nigeria, winning 3 of their 5 international matchups, with 1 draw and just 1 win for Nigeria.
The Pharaohs’ superiority in this fixture reflects their historical dominance in African football, though Nigeria has proven capable of competitive performances against their continental rivals.
Recent form shows mixed results for both sides, suggesting this December 16 encounter will be closely contested.
| Record | Total | Egypt Wins | Draws | Nigeria Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Time Matches | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Goals For (Egypt) | 8 | |||
| Goals Against (Egypt) | 5 | |||
| Recent Form | Egypt: W-D-L-L-D | – | – | Nigeria: L-W-D-W-L |
Current Team News
Egypt Team News: The Pharaohs maintain squad availability with key players Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Omar Marmoush (Manchester City) confirmed for inclusion following FIFA’s December 15 player release deadline.
Coach Hossam Hassan has established a 28-man squad with the closed training camp starting December 7 to refine tactical approaches and squad chemistry.
The squad demonstrates continuity and preparation intensity heading into AFCON, with recent victories providing positive momentum.
Nigeria Team News: The Super Eagles face significant injury concerns affecting squad depth and tactical flexibility. Ola Aina (defender), Taiwo Awoniyi (forward), Benjamin Fredrick (midfielder), and Felix Agu (defender) are unavailable due to injuries. Critically, Captain William Troost-Ekong announced his international retirement on December 9, creating defensive leadership void.
Despite setbacks, Nigeria retain star talent including Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and established midfielders capable of competing effectively. Coach Eric Chelle must navigate injuries while maintaining tactical cohesion for tournament preparations.
Egypt vs Nigeria Possible Starting Lineups
Egypt Predicted XI (4-3-3): El-Shennawy; Daoud, Hegazi, Fatouh, Ashraf; Fathi, El-Sulya, Elneny; Mohamed, Sherif, Salah
Nigeria Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Okoye; Sanusi, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Aina; Onyeka, Ndidi, Aribo; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Iheanacho
Key Players
Egypt Key Players:
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): A seven-time African Footballer of the Year known for bringing creativity and a constant goal-scoring threat.
- Omar Marmoush (Manchester City): Winger delivering attacking width and goal contributions
- Hossam Hassan’s tactical leadership: Guiding squad preparation and tournament strategy
Nigeria Key Players:
- Victor Osimhen: A Dynamic forward leading the attack despite injury concerns limiting the squad.
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): Midfielder providing ball distribution and defensive cover
- Coach Eric Chelle: Managing tactical adjustments due to multiple injury absences
Match Prediction
This friendly represents a closely contested AFCON preparation battle between two continental powerhouses with contrasting circumstances.
Egypt enter as slight favorites based on their all-time head-to-head advantage (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) and recent winning form against Equatorial Guinea and Algeria. The home advantage at Cairo International Stadium further strengthens Egypt’s position.
However, Nigeria possesses exceptional attacking talent, despite injury concerns, with Victor Osimhen capable of troubling Egypt’s defence.
- Predicted Score: Egypt 1-1 Nigeria (Draw allowing both teams final preparations)
AFCON 2025 Group Information:
| Team | AFCON Group | Opponents | First Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Group B | Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa | 22 Dec vs Zimbabwe |
| Nigeria | Group C | Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania | 23 Dec vs Tanzania |
The friendly will provide valuable insight for both coaches into tactical readiness and player combinations before tournament competition commences on December 21.
In this AFCON warm-up match, both teams will focus more on evaluating their squads and fine-tuning tactics rather than chasing an all-out win.
Where to Watch Egypt vs Nigeria in the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe and More
| Nations | Streaming and Time |
|---|---|
| United States: | Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo Time: 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST (December 16, 2025) |
| Canada: | Streaming: OneSoccer, ESPN+ Time: 1:00 PM EST / 10:00 AM PST |
| UK and Europe: | Streaming: ESPN+, official broadcasters Time: 6:00 PM GMT / 7:00 PM CET (December 16, 2025) |
| Africa (Egypt/Nigeria): | TV: Official national broadcasters Streaming: Streaming services in respective countries Time: 18:00 GMT / 8:00 PM Egypt local time / 1:00 PM EST |
| Australia | Streaming: ESPN+ Time: December 17, 2025 (Australian time zone) |
Global Viewing: The friendly will be available on regional broadcasters and streaming platforms depending on location.
