By Samuel Adeola
FIFA has approved a new player-release date for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, allowing clubs to keep their African stars until December 15, a week later than the previous December 8 deadline.
The adjustment followed what FIFA called “fruitful consultations” with key football stakeholders, with CAF agreeing “in a spirit of solidarity.”
The change means Super Eagles players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will be available for more club fixtures during the busy festive schedule.
European clubs had earlier raised concerns about releasing players too early.
Despite the extension, Liverpool will still lose Mohamed Salah, Manchester City will release Omar Marmoush and Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Manchester United will be without Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.
Nigerian players will depart in significant numbers. Fulham will lose Iwobi, Bassey and the in-form Chukwueze; Brentford will be without Frank Onyeka; Wolves will release Tolu Arokodare; and Atalanta’s Lookman will also join the Eagles’ camp.
Others heading to Morocco include Osimhen (Galatasaray), Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams (Sevilla), and Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).
The revised schedule allows players to complete key club duties ahead of AFCON 2025, which runs from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.
Nigeria, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria and Senegal headline the contenders for the 24-nation tournament.
