The Super Eagles yesterday stepped up preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with their first full training session in Cairo, held at the Cairo International Stadium.
The session followed the arrival of striker Paul Onuachu, which raised the number of players in camp to 15, as head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew began shaping the squad ahead of tonight’s international friendly against hosts Egypt.
Several key players, including Stanley Nwabali, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Francis Uzoho, featured in the workout. Others — Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Raphael Onyedika and Ryan Alebiosu — later checked into the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotels.
The Eagles are expected to leave Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fés, Morocco, where they will prosecute their AFCON campaign.
Read Also: Edo Kicks Off 2nd Niger Delta Games Drive, Enabulele Leads Fresh Liaison Team
Nigeria, chasing a fourth continental title after previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013, will open their Group C campaign on Tuesday, December 23, against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. The fixture is a repeat of the opening match of the 1980 finals hosted and won by Nigeria.
The Eagles will next face Tunisia — champions in 2004 — on Saturday, December 27, before rounding off the group stage against Uganda’s Cranes on Tuesday, December 30. All Group C matches will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fés.
Hosts Egypt, the only nation to have won three consecutive AFCON titles between 2006 and 2010, are drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe. Their group fixtures will be played at the Stade d’Agadir in Agadir.
SUPER EAGLES IN CAIRO
Francis Uzoho ; Stanley Nwabali; Calvin Bassey; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; Amas Obasogie; Semi Ajayi; Ademola Lookman; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Igho Ogbu ; Tochukwu Nnadi; Zaidu Sanusi; Paul Onuachu; Frank Oyekan; Alex Iwobi , Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams , Chidera Ejuke; Raphael Onyedika and Ryan Alebiosu.
