Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face African heavyweights Egypt in a high profile pre tournament friendly in Cairo on December 16, a fixture that serves as the final on pitch examination before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
With AFCON set to begin on December 21, this meeting offers head coach Eric Chelle a last chance to fine tune his squad, assess readiness, and answer selection questions under match conditions.
The friendly, initially set for December 14, was moved due to FIFA’s player release rule, which permits European-based players to join national teams from December 15. It’s now classified as a practice match, allowing both sides to exceed the standard five substitutions.
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For Nigeria, this encounter sits at the centre of their AFCON build up. The Super Eagles opened camp in Cairo earlier in December, choosing North Africa to help players adjust to similar weather and conditions they will face in Morocco.
The camp at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo has gradually filled up with the likes of Francis Uzoho, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and other players who arrived after club commitments, with coach Eric Chelle focusing on shape, fitness, and understanding among his squad.
Team Check-In
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C at AFCON alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, and this meeting with Egypt provides a useful test against a side known for tactical discipline.
Nigeria begin their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23, before clashes with Tunisia and Uganda round off the group stage.
Egypt’s Game Plan and Key Players
Egypt are treating the game as their final on-field rehearsal. The Pharaohs have named a 28-man squad featuring key names like Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Imam Ashour, and goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
However, Salah and Marmoush may miss the friendly due to late club release, with their likely involvement reserved for the tournament proper.
Under head coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs have been in camp in Cairo since early December, starting with home-based players before being joined by their foreign-based stars.
Reports indicate that training has centred on defensive organisation, midfield balance, and quick transitions, trademarks of Egypt’s approach in major tournaments.
Nigeria’s Lineup
From Nigeria’s perspective, the friendly offers Chelle a chance to test combinations and squad depth. Stanley Nwabali is expected to continue in goal, while defenders such as Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi Samuel will be pushing for rhythm ahead of the tournament.
In midfield, the pairing of Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka remains central to Nigeria’s structure, with Alex Iwobi providing experience and movement further forward. Up front, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, even if minutes are carefully managed.
There is also room for fringe and uncapped players to stake a claim, especially with unlimited substitutions available. The newcomers in the AFCON squad are hoping for matchday roles, and performances against Egypt could influence Chelle’s thinking.
While the result will not define Nigeria’s AFCON fate, the performance will matter. A solid showing against one of Africa’s most successful sides would boost confidence and sharpen focus ahead of a demanding tournament schedule.
