The Super Eagles’ training camp in Cairo has expanded to 24 players following the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, newly invited Salim Fago, and Chidozie Awaziem, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly against Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, alongside defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, checked into the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotel earlier on Monday, adding to a squad that has continued to grow steadily.
Also joining the camp were goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, further strengthening the team ahead of the crucial build-up fixture.
They linked up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who had all reported to camp on Sunday as preparations officially began.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, told NAN that 20 players took part in the team’s first training session held 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 added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, pushing the total number of players in camp to 22 at the time, with six more expected to join subsequently.
Efoghe explained that as part of the final build-up to the continental tournament, the Super Eagles 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.
Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will take on seven-time winners Egypt at 8 p.m. Egypt time, which is 7 p.m. Nigeria time, as both teams fine-tune their squads ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to hold in Morocco.
Efoghe further confirmed that the Super Eagles are expected to leave Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Féz, where they will conclude their final preparations.
Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth continental title, following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, begins on December 23 against Tanzania under the rallying 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 slated for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Egypt, the only country to have won the AFCON title three times consecutively, will compete in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with their group matches scheduled to take place in Agadir.
What you should know
Nigeria is using the friendly match against Egypt as a critical assessment point ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With a mix of experienced stars and new invitees, the Super Eagles’ technical crew aims to fine-tune tactics, test squad depth, and build cohesion before competitive action begins. Nigeria is chasing a historic fourth AFCON title, while Egypt, the tournament’s most successful nation, is also seeking to reassert dominance.
The Cairo camp and friendly are central to shaping Nigeria’s readiness and confidence going into the tournament.
