AFCON 2025 Update: Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Arrive as Lookman, Ajayi, Four Others Expected

AFCON 2025 Update: Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Arrive as Lookman, Ajayi, Four Others Expected 

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gathered pace on Sunday as midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer arrived at the Super Eagles’ training camp in Cairo, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Their arrival brings the number of players in camp to four, alongside goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho, who had reported earlier as the national team begins its final build-up to the tournament in Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the camp officially opened on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, with members of the technical crew and backroom staff already fully assembled.

Uzoho, who arrived shortly after 2:00 a.m., was the first player to report, setting an early tone of professionalism. Later in the day, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also checked into camp, providing a significant boost as players continue to arrive from their respective clubs.

Nwabali’s arrival comes amid recent concerns over his fitness following ankle and hand issues. However, his inclusion in head coach Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad and his early presence in camp underline the coaching staff’s confidence in his recovery and readiness.

The 29-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper has been Nigeria’s undisputed first choice since the 2023 AFCON, where he played a key role in the Super Eagles’ run to the final, finishing runners-up after a 2–1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. He has since cemented his place in the squad, earning 27 international caps.

With both Nwabali and Uzoho now in camp, Nigeria’s goalkeeping department is beginning to take shape. Amas Obasogie, the third goalkeeper named in the squad, is expected to arrive in Cairo in the coming days.

Several more players are expected to join the team later on Sunday night, including Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi.

The Cairo camp will also serve as preparation for a practice match against Egypt scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, at the Cairo Stadium. Originally planned as an international friendly, the fixture was reclassified due to FIFA regulations on player release, allowing for unlimited substitutions.

Following the match, the Super Eagles will travel by chartered flight to Fès, Morocco, where they will be based for the group stage of the tournament.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, with all group fixtures to be played in Fès. As more players assemble in Cairo, the early arrival of key squad members signals a focused and purposeful start to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.