Nigeria’s Star-Studded AFCON Camp Grows As 24 Players Report In Cairo

According to Ireporter Online, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have intensified preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with 24 players now in Cairo for their second training session at the Cairo International Stadium. The latest arrivals, defenders Salim Fago and Chidozie Awaziem, have strengthened head coach Eric Chelle’s squad ahead of a high-profile friendly against Egypt scheduled for 7 p.m. Nigerian time.

Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, and Amas Obasogie participated in training, alongside defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, and Igho Ogbu. Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer also featured, with attacking duties handled by Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke.

The friendly, seen as a preparatory test ahead of AFCON in Morocco, will, however, be without several star players. Egypt will be missing Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, while Nigeria will not have Victor Osimhen available. Salah and Marmoush were rested due to delayed arrivals, and Osimhen has yet to join the Nigerian camp following his departure from Galatasaray.

Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan focused on tactical fine-tuning with 26 players in training on Monday night. Minor fitness issues have also shaped their preparation, with Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet rested following a dental procedure and midfielder Ibrahim Adel recovering from an ankle injury. Both are expected to be fit for Egypt’s AFCON opener against Zimbabwe on December 22.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that international referee Mahmoud Nagi will officiate the friendly against Nigeria, assisted by Samir Gamal and Youssef El-Basaty, with VAR in operation. Egypt will travel to Morocco on Wednesday evening to complete their tournament build-up.