Super Eagles Kick Off AFCON 2025 Preparations in Cairo as Early Arrivals Join Camp

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Nigeria’s national football team has started its preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with several members of the Super Eagles squad arriving in Cairo for an early training camp. The gathering marks the beginning of the country’s push toward another attempt at continental glory.

The African football showpiece will take place in Morocco, running from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. With the tournament drawing close, Nigeria’s technical crew has moved quickly to organize a training programme aimed at sharpening the squad before the competition begins.

Early Arrivals at the Team Base

The first group of players touched down in Egypt on Sunday and settled at the team’s accommodation at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo. Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho were among the earliest to report to camp, setting the tone for the rest of the squad expected to join in the coming hours.

Other players who arrived soon after include Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi.

According to the Super Eagles’ media officer, Promise Efoghe, additional members of the team will join the camp as their travel arrangements allow. The squad is expected to begin its first official training session in Cairo on Monday.

Adjusted Training Plans

Initially, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had planned to commence the final phase of preparations later in the week. However, the schedule was revised to allow players more time to train together and build chemistry before the tournament.

After completing the training camp in Egypt, the team will travel by chartered flight to Fez, Morocco, where they will be based during the group stage of the competition.

Before leaving Cairo, Nigeria will play a warm-up match against Egypt’s Pharaohs, a fixture expected to provide valuable tactical insight for the coaching staff ahead of AFCON.

Composition of the 28-Man Squad

Head coach Eric Chelle recently confirmed Nigeria’s final squad list for the tournament. The selection reflects a mixture of experienced international stars and emerging talents who have earned their first opportunity with the senior national team.

The squad is structured as follows:

Squad Breakdown	Number of Players
Goalkeepers	3
Defenders	8
Midfielders	8
Forwards	9

Several new faces received their first call-ups to the senior side, signaling Chelle’s willingness to refresh the squad while maintaining a core of seasoned players.

Key Selections and Notable Returns

A few selection decisions generated discussion among fans and analysts. Striker Paul Onuachu, currently playing for Trabzonspor, was recalled after an impressive run of form in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Maduka Okoye and striker Tolu Arokodare did not make the final squad list. The goalkeeping department now includes Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Amas Obasogie, who will compete for the starting position.

Among the players receiving their first senior invitations are:

Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers defender)
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Inter Milan midfielder)
Usman Muhammed (Israel-based midfielder)
Tochukwu Nnadi (former Flying Eagles midfielder)
Lawal Salim Fago (Croatia-based striker)

These additions bring youthful energy and depth to the squad ahead of the continental competition.

Experienced Core of the Team

Nigeria will also rely heavily on established internationals who have already proven themselves on the big stage. Key figures in the team include defenders such as Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, and Bruno Onyemaechi.

In midfield, experienced campaigners like Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will be responsible for controlling the tempo of games.

The attacking department is led by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, supported by attacking talents including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke.

Nigeria’s Group Stage Fixtures

At AFCON 2025, the Super Eagles have been drawn into Group C alongside three competitive African sides. Their group schedule in Morocco is arranged as follows:

Match	Date
Nigeria vs Tanzania	December 23
Nigeria vs Tunisia	December 27
Nigeria vs Uganda	December 30

The results of these matches will determine whether Nigeria advances to the knockout stages of the tournament.

Commentary and Analysis

Nigeria’s early preparations in Cairo demonstrate the team’s determination to approach AFCON 2025 with strong organization. By assembling players ahead of schedule, the coaching staff hopes to strengthen team cohesion and tactical understanding before facing their group opponents.

The mixture of experienced internationals and promising newcomers could prove beneficial. Veterans such as Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi provide leadership and stability, while the younger players bring fresh enthusiasm and unpredictability.

The friendly against Egypt will also be a valuable test. Facing a strong African opponent shortly before the tournament may reveal tactical gaps that the team can address before their opening match against Tanzania.

If the squad quickly adapts to Chelle’s system and builds strong chemistry during the training camp, the Super Eagles could once again emerge as serious contenders for the AFCON title.