The Super Eagles camp in Cairo gained momentum on Monday night. More players arrived ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against Egypt. They are also preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers, and Raphael Onyedika were the latest to join. Their arrival brought the camp total to 21 players at the Renaissance Hotel.

This quintet quickly settled in. They joined teammates for the first full training session. It took place at the Cairo International Stadium that same evening. Seven more players are still expected. They will complete the squad for Tuesday’s friendly. This high-profile match is against Egypt’s Pharaohs.

Crucial Friendly Against Egypt

Nigeria, three-time champions, faces Egypt, seven-time winners, at Cairo Stadium. This match is a crucial dress rehearsal. It precedes the 35th AFCON finals. The tournament kicks off in Morocco on Sunday. Both coaching teams will use this game. They will test player combinations. They will also assess squad depth. Final decisions will follow this assessment.

Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has many new players. He might give game time to several debutants. These include goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. Defender Tochukwu Nnadi is also new. Midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Usman Muhammed could feature. Forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal might also play.

Hossam Hassan leads the Egyptian team. He is a celebrated figure in the tournament. The former striker was a joint top scorer in 1998. He netted seven goals when Egypt won the title. This was in Burkina Faso. His current team will largely feature Liverpool star Mohamed Salah. Salah aims for his first Africa Cup of Nations crown.

He has strong support from experienced players. Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is one. The Al Ahly trio includes Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany, and Yasser Ibrahim. Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet are also key. CAF Champions League holders Pyramids provide Mohamed Hamdy and Mostafa Fathi. Ibrahim Adel and FC Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed complete their strong squad.

Coach Chelle will likely rely on Nigeria’s core players. Stanley Nwabali is expected in goal. Defenders include Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Zaidu Sanusi. Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi could anchor the midfield. Ademola Lookman will join established forwards in attack.

The match kicks off at 8 PM local Egyptian time. This is 7 PM in Nigeria. By Monday night, 23 of the 28-man squad had arrived. The remaining players are expected before matchday.

AFCON 2025 Campaign Outlook

The Super Eagles will leave Cairo on Thursday. A chartered flight will take them to Fés. This city will be their tournament base. Nigeria seeks a fourth continental title. They won previously in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Their campaign slogan is ‘NAIJA 4 THE WIN’.

Their Group C campaign begins on Tuesday, December 23. They face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. This repeats the 1980 finals opening game. Tunisia awaits them on Saturday, December 27. The final group match is against Uganda. It is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30. All these games will be at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.

Egypt holds a unique record. They won the AFCON three times consecutively. This was between 2006 and 2010. They are in Group B. Opponents include South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their matches will be played at the Stade d’Agadir in Agadir.

Super Eagles Squad in Camp

The Super Eagles squad currently in Cairo features a blend of talent and experience. Key players include: Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, and Raphael Onyedika.