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Nigeria will face Egypt in Tuesday’s international friendly without Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, Footynaija.com reports.
The three key attackers are set to miss the match as the Super Eagles continue preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The high-profile fixture at the Cairo International Stadium forms part of Nigeria’s build-up to the tournament in Morocco, which begins this weekend.
However, a report by ScoreNigeria indicates that Osimhen and Simon will not join the squad in Cairo, instead linking up with the team once it relocates to Morocco later in the week.
Chukwueze has also not reported to the Cairo camp despite his Fulham teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Their absence means they will not be available for selection against Egypt, giving head coach Eric Sékou Chelle an opportunity to test alternative attacking options and assess squad depth.
As of Monday’s first training session, 22 of the 28 players invited to Nigeria’s final AFCON squad had arrived in camp.
Those present include Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Raphael Onyedika, and Ryan Alebiosu.
However, Chelle is still awaiting the arrival of Chukwueze, Osimhen, Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Muhammed and Salim Fago Lawal to complete the squad ahead of the encounter with the Pharaohs.
Egypt, coached by AFCON legend Hossam Hassan, are expected to lean heavily on Mohamed Salah as they fine-tune preparations for Group B, where they face South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
Nigeria will leave Cairo on Thursday for Fés, where they will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on 23 December.
