Nigeria will face Egypt in a mouth-watering international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on December 14, exactly seven days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco.
According to Ahram, the Egyptian Football Association confirmed the fixture on Sunday, though the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to issue an official statement.
The encounter, arranged at the request of Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan, is part of both nations’ final preparations for the continental tournament.
Superstars on the dugout: Osimhen vs Salah
The friendly promises fireworks as two of Africa’s most celebrated forwards, Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah, headline the contest.
Both players, despite their global achievements, continue to chase the one honour missing from their resumes, the AFCON trophy.
Salah, 33, has been the face of Egyptian football for nearly a decade. The Liverpool icon, a two-time African Footballer of the Year (2017, 2018), remains the only Egyptian to score in four consecutive AFCON tournaments, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023.
Despite leading the Pharaohs to two finals, he has twice finished as runner-up, leaving Morocco 2025 as his potential last shot at continental glory.
Osimhen, meanwhile, symbolizes Nigeria’s new generation of football excellence. The Galatasaray striker, crowned Africa’s best in 2023, inspired the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2023 final and previously won bronze in 2019.
For the 26-year-old, this year’s campaign represents a personal mission, to end Nigeria’s 12-year wait for an AFCON title.
Historic rivalry rekindled
The Cairo clash will renew one of Africa’s most storied football rivalries. In 19 previous meetings, Nigeria have claimed nine wins, Egypt five, while five ended in draws.
Notably, the Super Eagles have never lost to the Pharaohs in four friendly encounters, winning two and drawing two.
Before their meeting in Cairo, Nigeria must face a difficult World Cup qualifying playoff in November against Gabon, and potentially Cameroon or DR Congo.
Egypt, who have already booked their spot at the 2026 World Cup, will continue their build-up at the UAE International Tournament, facing Uzbekistan on November 14. Cape Verde and Iran will also participate following Senegal’s withdrawal.
AFCON 2025 outlook
Seven-time champions Egypt will compete in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria, three-time winners, are drawn in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
