A LARGELY experimental Super Eagles of Nigeria side were beaten 2-1 by Egypt in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) friendly match in Cairo tonight.
With the team having begun camping only two days before, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle left out most of his regulars and handed starts to newcomer Ebenezer Akinsamiro as well as Chidera Ejuke, Igoh Ogbu, Paul Onuachu and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
The Super Eagles understandably struggled to find cohesion in the early stages, and the hosts took a deserved lead in the 28th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from close range after sustained pressure.
The Pyramids’ midfielder was perfectly picked out by the lively Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” and arrived unmarked at the back post to tap into an empty net.
The Super Eagles were nearly gifted an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Egypt defender Yasser Ibrahim, but veteran goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy reacted sharply to keep the ball out.
That incident appeared to embolden the Super Eagles, and they pulled level in first-half stoppage time.
Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi’s free-kick was fumbled by El Shenawy at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to react quickest and head home from close range.
Egypt started the second half brightly and were rewarded eight minutes after the restart.
Zizo again played a key role in the build-up before Mostafa Mohamed powered a right-footed shot past Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie from inside the box.
Despite efforts to respond, the Super Eagles were unable to find a second equaliser as Egypt controlled the closing stages and finished the match the stronger side.
The Super Eagles are in Group C at the Morocco 2025 AFCON with Tanzania — who they face next Tuesday — Uganda and Tunisia.
Egypt are in Group B with South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.