Nigeria’s Super Eagles have officially begun their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The first group of players arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday. They are now at a five-day training camp.

The highly anticipated continental tournament will take place in Morocco. It is scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Nigeria aims for another strong title challenge.

Early Arrivals in Camp

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho were among the first to report. They checked into the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo. Their early arrival comes seven days before the tournament officially starts. It also precedes an unofficial friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs by three days.

Super Eagles players training in Cairo for AFCON 2025 — Super Eagles players during a training session ahead of AFCON 2025.

Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, confirmed more players were expected. Arrivals would continue through Sunday night and Monday. This depends on flight schedules and any travel issues. He also stated that the team would hold its first training session on Monday.

Initially, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) planned for final preparations to begin on December 10. However, the schedule was adjusted. This allows the squad more time together. The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for Fez, Morocco, on Thursday. They will travel to their tournament base via a chartered flight.

Squad Updates and New Faces

Nwabali and Uzoho will compete for the number one goalkeeper spot. Singida Black Stars’ Amas Obasogie is also in contention. Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has returned to the squad. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and regular invitee Tolu Arokodare did not make the final list.

Coach Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards. Five players received their first senior national team call-ups. Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu earned his maiden invitation. Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu was also included in the central defence options.

The midfield boasts new additions. These include Inter Milan youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, a Remo Stars Academy product. Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also join. In attack, Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago, an ex-Flying Eagles forward, is a fresh face. He adds new options to Nigeria’s frontline.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON appearance. He will line up alongside experienced players. These include Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi also feature. The midfield provides experience and balance with Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Wilfred Ndidi. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika complete the list. Victor Osimhen will lead the attack.

He will have support from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. The Sevilla duo of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke are also included. Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos retained his place. Onuachu earned his first invitation under Coach Chelle due to his strong form in Turkey.

AFCON Group Stage Schedule

Nigeria has been drawn into Group C. They will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23. Their second match is against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27. They will conclude the group stage against Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.