Super Eagles’ Coach, Eric Chelle, has been handed an opportunity to test his team’s readiness for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a friendly game against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Cairo on December 14.

The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said yesterday that the friendly was arranged at the request of Egypt coach Hossam Hassan, who wanted to test his side against one of the continent’s heavyweights ahead of the tournament.

The Pharaohs will compete in the UAE International Tournament, where they will meet Uzbekistan on November 14. The competition also features Cape Verde and Iran, who will play a day earlier.

The winners of both matches will face each other in the final on November 18.

Senegal were initially scheduled to take part in the tournament but withdrew, paving the way for Cape Verde to join.

Before the game against Egypt, Nigeria will feature in the 2026 World Cup African playoff in Morocco next month.

The Super Eagles will meet Gabon in their opening game of the playoff on November 13, which, if they win, will set them up against the winner of the second game between Cameroon and Congo DR on November 16.

Egypt have been drawn in Group B for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania.