The Pharaohs of Egypt will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an international friendly match on December 14 at the Cairo International Stadium, as both nations intensify preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, platinumnewsng.com is reporting.
The encounter promises to rekindle one of Africa’s oldest football rivalries, with both countries boasting rich histories and fierce battles on the continental stage.
In their previous meetings, Egypt and Nigeria have faced each other 22 times, with the Super Eagles holding a slight edge. Nigeria have recorded eight victories, Egypt have won five times, while nine encounters ended in draws.
Their most recent clash came in January 2022, during the group stage of the AFCON in Cameroon, where Nigeria edged out Egypt 1–0 thanks to a Kelechi Iheanacho strike. The Pharaohs, however, went on to reach the final of that tournament, while the Super Eagles exited in the Round of 16.
Historically, both sides have produced memorable duels — from Nigeria’s 1–0 win in the 2010 AFCON qualifiers to Egypt’s dramatic 1–1 draw in Kaduna in 2016, courtesy of a late Mohamed Salah equalizer.
Nigeria Super Eagles are expected to have booked the Africa’s sole ticket for the FIFA intercontinental play offs in March, 2025, before playing against the Pharaohs of Egypt in tune up again for the AFCON.
The December 14 showdown in Cairo will provide both managers a chance to assess their squads ahead of the continental showpiece, expected to kick off in Morocco early next year.
News source: Tarek Talaat