The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo swelled to 22 players on Monday as preparations intensified for Nigeria’s international friendly against Egypt ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,AFCON.
Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu was the latest arrival, joining an expanding squad at the Renaissance Hotel, where the team is camped.
Earlier in the day, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel had checked in, further strengthening the squad.
Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also arrived to boost the team, linking up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who had reported on Sunday.
The Super Eagles held their first training session on Monday evening, with 20 players taking part. Team Media Officer Promise Efoghe said the session was positive and encouraging.
“Training went smoothly and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Efoghe said.
He added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, bringing the total number of players in camp to 22, with six more expected to join in the coming days.
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As part of their build-up to the continental tournament, Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
“The friendly will help the technical crew assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge,” Efoghe said.
The encounter between the three-time champions Nigeria and seven-time winners Egypt will kick off at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time), serving as a key test ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Following the friendly, the Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue their final preparations.
Nigeria will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title on December 23 against Tanzania, under the theme “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”
The Eagles will also face Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 in Group C, with all matches set to take place at the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Egypt, the only nation to have won AFCON three consecutive times, will compete in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with their matches holding in Agadir.
NAN
