The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially commenced preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A five-day training camp began in Cairo, Egypt. This early start precedes the continental showpiece, which Morocco will host.

The tournament is scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Nigeria aims for another title push. The initial batch of players arrived in Cairo on Sunday, signaling the start of their intensive preparations.

Early Arrivals Boost Team Spirit

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 timely arrival comes a week before an unofficial friendly match against Egypt’s Pharaohs. It also precedes the tournament itself by several days.

Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, confirmed more arrivals. He stated that other players were expected later on Sunday and Monday. This depends on their flight schedules. The team’s first training session was slated for Monday.

Revised Schedule and Tournament Relocation

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) initially planned final preparations for Wednesday, December 10. However, plans were adjusted. This change allows the squad more time together. The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for Fez, Morocco, on Thursday. Fez is their designated tournament base. They will travel via a chartered flight.

Squad Breakdown: New Faces and Key Players

Coach Chelle has assembled a strong squad. Three goalkeepers will vie for the number one spot. These are Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho, and Singida Black Stars’ Amas Obasogie.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu has made a notable return to the team. Meanwhile, Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and forward Tolu Arokodare did not make the final list. Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards. Five players received their first senior call-ups.

Debutants include Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu. Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu also joins the central defensive options. The midfield welcomes Inter Milan youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, formerly of Remo Stars Academy. Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi complete the new midfield additions. In attack, Croatia-based striker Lawal Salim Fago, an ex-Flying Eagles forward, adds fresh options to Nigeria’s frontline.

Experienced players form the backbone of the team. Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON. He will play alongside Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi.

The midfield boasts talent like Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika. Victor Osimhen will lead the attack. He will receive support from Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and the Sevilla duo of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Panathinaikos’ Cyriel Dessers retains his place. Onuachu earns his invitation after strong performances in Turkey.

Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Fixtures

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

Confirmed Early Arrivals in Cairo Camp

As of Sunday night, December 14, ten Super Eagles players had arrived in the Cairo camp. These early arrivals include Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Also present were Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Igoh Ogbu, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi completed the list.