AFCON 2025: Nantes duo Mostafa Mohamed and Chidozie Awaziem face late arrival after FIFA decision

French outfit Nantes will be able to count on African duo of Mostafa Mohamed and Chidozie Awaziem in their next two matches following FIFA’s unprecedented record-breaking concession to European clubs in release-date dispute.

Initially, clubs were mandated to release players for major tournaments 14 days before its commencement. Amid pressure from European clubs, the world football governing body has soften it stands, given just seven days for the release of players.

The decision come as a refreshing news for Nantes, who will be counting on the African duo in their next two games as they seeks for survival in the French top-flight.

Mostafa Mohammed will feature for Egypt at the continental tournament, while Awaziem is set to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The duo were set to miss Nantes’ upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Angers slated for December 12. Following the revised release date, Nantes will be able to count on the duo for the two games.This means the duo will miss the pre-AFCON preparations with their national teams.

La Maison Jaune will be desperate to utilize them in hopes of collecting points and remaining above the relegation line.

Heading into their meeting with the league leaders, they sit 16th in the table, only above FC Metz on goal difference, and are at risk of automatic relegation. Nantes have dropped points in five successive Ligue 1 affairs.