The Super Eagles’ training camp in Cairo has swelled to 22 players as Nigeria intensifies preparations for a pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt on Tuesday. The squad is demonstrating strong commitment ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
The latest arrivals have bolstered the camp, joining early attendees who began work earlier in the week. Defender Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman are among the notable inclusions. They are accompanied by defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi. These players joined early campers such as goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali, alongside Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe reported a productive first full training session on 15 December involving 20 players. He noted “good energy and commitment” from the squad. Additional post-session arrivals pushed the total to 22, with six more players expected before the team departs for Fès, Morocco, on 18 December.
The friendly against seven-time champions Egypt serves as a vital tactical test for head coach Eric Chelle. The match will be held at Cairo International Stadium with an 8 pm local time kickoff. “The friendly will help the technical crew assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge,” Efoghe stated, underlining the match’s strategic importance.
This preparatory clash sets the stage for Nigeria’s AFCON campaign. The three-time champions, operating under the “NAIJA 4 THE WIN” banner, are drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. Their tournament opener is against Tanzania on 23 December, followed by matches against Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December, all to be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.