The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo has grown to 24 players following the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, new invitee Salim Fago and Chidozie Awaziem, as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly against Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, alongside defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, reported to camp earlier on Monday at the Renaissance Hotel, joining an expanding squad.
Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi were also among the latest arrivals. They joined early campers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who checked in on Sunday.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe told NAN that 20 players participated in the team’s first training session on Monday evening.
“Training went smoothly, and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Efoghe said.
He added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, bringing the number of players in camp to 22 at the time, with six more expected.
Efoghe confirmed that the Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium as part of preparations for the tournament.
“The friendly will help the technical crew assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge,” he said.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, will face seven-time winners Egypt at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) in the build-up to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Efoghe also confirmed that the team will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue final preparations.
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title, following triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013, begins on 23 December against Tanzania under the theme “Naija 4 The Win.” The Super Eagles will also face Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December in Group C, with all matches scheduled for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Egypt, the only nation to win the AFCON three consecutive times, will compete in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with matches taking place in Agadir.
(NAN)
