Super Eagles in camp
Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo continues to gather momentum ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu boosting the number of players in camp to 22.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that preparations for Nigeria’s international friendly against Egypt intensified on Monday as more players checked into the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotel.
Earlier in the day, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman joined the camp alongside defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, adding depth and experience to the squad.
Also reporting for duty were goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who linked up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, all of whom arrived on Sunday.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe told NAN that 20 players took part in the team’s first training session on Monday evening.
“Training went smoothly and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Efoghe said.
He disclosed that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after the session, bringing the total number of players in camp to 22, with six more expected.
As part of final build-up to the tournament, Efoghe said the Super Eagles will test their readiness in a high-profile friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt 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.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, will face seven-time winners Egypt at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) as both sides fine-tune preparations for the 35th edition of the tournament, scheduled to hold in Morocco.
Efoghe also confirmed that the team will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue final preparations.
Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental title, following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013, begins on Dec. 23 against Tanzania under the rallying theme, “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”
The Super Eagles will also face Tunisia on Dec. 27 and Uganda on Dec. 30 in Group C, with all fixtures slated for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Meanwhile, Egypt — the only country to win the AFCON three consecutive times — will compete in Group B against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with matches taking place in Agadir.
