Osimhen Joins Super Eagles In Cairo As AFCON Preparations Intesify

Osimhen Joins Super Eagles In Cairo As AFCON Preparations Intesify 

By Our Reporter 

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has arrived at Nigeria’s training camp in Cairo, completing the full squad as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Osimhen reported for duty on Wednesday at the Renaissance Hotel, where the Super Eagles have been in camp since Sunday. The team is using the Cairo camp to fine-tune preparations ahead of the continental tournament, as well as a recent international friendly against Egypt.

Nigeria suffered a 2–1 defeat to the Pharaohs on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium, a match in which Osimhen’s absence was evident as the Super Eagles struggled to penetrate Egypt’s organised defence in front of their home crowd.

Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali were among the first players to arrive in camp, alongside members of the technical crew. The squad steadily grew in the days leading up to the friendly as more players linked up with the team.

With Osimhen’s arrival, head coach Éric Chelle now has a full complement of players available. The squad includes Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Raphael Onyedika, Ryan Alebiosu, Salim Fago Lawal, Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Mohammed, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

The friendly against Egypt forms part of Nigeria’s build-up to AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.

Nigeria will open their group campaign against Tanzania on December 23, face Tunisia on December 27 and conclude the group stage against Uganda on December 30.

Chelle will be targeting a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria in Morocco, as the Super Eagles seek to restore confidence following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.