By Anamati Inyang
December 16, 2025
The Super Eagles camp in Cairo has expanded to 22 players, following the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s international friendly against Egypt ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, alongside defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi Samuel joined the camp earlier on Monday at the Renaissance Hotel, adding depth, experience to the squad.
Also reporting for duty were goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, further strengthening the team as it builds toward the continental tournament.
They joined early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Fisayo Dele Bashiru, who had checked in on Sunday.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe disclosed that 20 players took part in the team’s first training session on Monday evening.
“The session went well. The players showed strong energy, commitment, which is a positive sign at this stage of our preparations,” Efoghe said.
He added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, Ryan Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, bringing the number of players in camp to 22, with six more expected to join.
As part of the build up to the tournament, Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium. The match is scheduled for 8pm, Nigerian time.
Both teams are former African champions, with Nigeria winning the title three times, Egypt holding the record with seven titles.
Efoghe confirmed that the Super Eagles will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday via a chartered flight to continue their final preparations.
Nigeria will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title on December 23 against Tanzania. The Eagles will also face Tunisia on December 27, Uganda on December 30 in Group C, with all matches set to be played at the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Egypt, the only nation to have won the Africa Cup of Nations three consecutive times, will compete in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with their matches scheduled to take place in Agadir.
