Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gathered pace on Monday night as 22 Super Eagles players took part in the team’s first full training session in Cairo, Soccernet.ng reports.
The training, however, took place without key attacking stars Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon who are now set to miss Tuesday’s international friendly against Egypt.
The Super Eagles camp officially opened earlier in the weekend with the arrival of team officials and a handful of invited players, but head coach Eric Chelle oversaw his first proper training session on Monday as Nigeria stepped up their build-up to the continental showpiece in Morocco.
Blackburn Rovers full-back Ryan Alebiosu was the latest player to arrive in camp, boosting numbers to 22 by Monday evening. Alebiosu earned a late call-up following injuries to first-choice right-back Ola Aina and promising youngster Benjamin Fredrick.
Despite the rising numbers, six invited players are still expected, including Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Muhammed and Salim Fago Lawal.
However, after missing Monday’s session, it is now almost certain that Osimhen, Simon and Chukwueze will not feature against Egypt.
Sources indicate that both Osimhen and Simon are expected to link up with the squad later in Morocco, where Nigeria will complete the final phase of preparations ahead of AFCON 2025.
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Egypt vs Nigeria: Super Eagles stars in camp
Those already in camp include goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie, alongside defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Igho Ogbu, Bruno Onyemaechi and Alebiosu.
Midfield options such as Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi, Raphael Onyedika, Alex Iwobi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer are also present, while attacking depth is provided by Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, and Chidera Ejuke.
The friendly against Egypt offers Chelle the chance to hand valuable minutes to fringe and newly invited players hoping to stake a claim for AFCON places.
Nigeria will compete in Group C at AFCON 2025, opening their campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before clashes with Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.
The Super Eagles are targeting a fourth AFCON title, after the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following Tuesday’s clash in Cairo, the Super Eagles are scheduled to depart for Morocco on Thursday aboard a chartered flight, where final preparations for the tournament will be completed.