The Super Eagles of Nigeria stepped up preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Tuesday, with 24 players now in camp at Cairo International Stadium for their second training session.
Defenders Salim Fago and Chidozie Awaziem were the latest arrivals, strengthening head coach Eric Chelle’s squad ahead of tonight’s high-profile friendly against Egypt at 7 p.m. (Nigerian time).
Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Amas Obasogie participated in training, joined by defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, and Igho Ogbu. Midfield duties included Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, while attackers Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke led the frontline.
However, the friendly will miss some of African football’s biggest stars. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, and Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen will all be absent as both teams manage fitness risks.
All three players missed their respective national team sessions on Monday and Tuesday morning. Egyptian media reported that coach Hossam Hassan rested Salah and Marmoush due to their late arrival, while Osimhen has yet to join Nigeria’s camp in Cairo after leaving Galatasaray in Turkey.
Egypt trained 26 players on Monday night, focusing on tactical adjustments ahead of their AFCON opener against Zimbabwe on December 22. Reports suggest the move was planned to allow the Premier League stars extra recovery time.
Minor fitness concerns have also influenced Egypt’s preparations. National team director Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet was rested after a dental procedure, while midfielder Ibrahim Adel continues to recover from an ankle injury sustained in the UAE Pro League. Both are expected to be fit for the tournament opener.
The Egyptian Football Association announced that international referee Mahmoud Nagi will officiate the friendly against the Super Eagles, assisted by Samir Gamal and Youssef El-Basaty, with VAR in use. Egypt will travel to Morocco on Wednesday evening to finalize their AFCON preparations.
