No fewer than 10 players have reported to the camp of the Super Eagles as preparations begin for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotels, Cairo, with all coaches and backroom staff already in attendance ahead of the tournament.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time, signaling the start of full squad mobilisation.
Uzoho was named as one of three goalkeepers in head coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad, marking his return to the national team setup after more than a year on the sideline.
Stanley Nwabali followed as the second arrival, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro later arrived in the camp to raise the number to four.
Six more players — Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Igho Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Tochukwu Nnadi, arrived later, bringing the total number in camp to ten.
More players are expected to join in the coming hours as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the continental showpiece.
NAN also reports that the three-time African champions are scheduled to hold their first training session later this evening.
As part of their preparations, the Super Eagles will play a friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
Nigeria will head into the 2025 AFCON looking to build on their runners-up finish at the last tournament, where they lost 2–1 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has declared his readiness for international duty following his recall for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Uzoho was named among three goalkeepers in Head Coach, Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad, ending over a year’s absence from the national team.
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The goalkeeper last featured for Nigeria in a March 2024 international friendly against Ghana, before missing subsequent competitive fixtures.
Speaking on his return, Uzoho expressed delight at rejoining the camp and reconnecting with long-time teammates.
“I missed the boys and the camp vibe. We’ve shared challenges together and always check up on one another.”
He described his recall as a moment of joy and relief, reaffirming his commitment to representing Nigeria at the highest level.
“I felt an unexplainable joy; coming back to represent Nigeria again is the most important thing for me,” he added.
Uzoho stressed that national team invitations are based on readiness and confidence from the technical crew.
“If you’re invited, it means you’re ready. The coaches and scouts know what they’re doing,” he said.
Addressing perceived rivalry with first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Uzoho dismissed any competition concerns.
“Stanley is my brother. We support each other and share a very close relationship,” he stated.
Nigeria will head into the AFCON aiming to improve on their runners-up finish at the last edition.
The Super Eagles lost 1–2 to hosts Ivory Coast in the final and are chasing a fourth continental title after triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
NAN
