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Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has become the first Super Eagles player to arrive in camp as Nigeria begin their final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be staged in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria’s training base has been established at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, Egypt, where the Super Eagles will fine-tune plans for the continental showpiece.
The camp officially opened in the early hours of Sunday, December 14, with players scheduled to report after concluding their final club commitments over the weekend.
AFCON 2025 Preparation.
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) December 14, 2025
– Super Eagles Camp officially opened on Sunday, 14th of December in Cairo, Egypt.
– All coaches and back room staff have arrived camp.
– Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho is the first player to arrive. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/fu6ANs6MZH
Uzoho, currently on the books of Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, wasted little time joining up with the squad. The 25-year-old goalkeeper arrived at camp at around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, becoming the early bird among the expected influx of players.
All members of the Super Eagles’ technical crew and support staff were already on ground in Cairo to receive players as they arrive, ensuring a smooth and immediate transition into training activities.
Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu depart for Cairo, the Super Eagles base ahead of #AFCON2025
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) December 13, 2025
Nigeria will clash with Egypt in a friendly at the Cairo Stadium next Tuesday before flying a chartered flight from Cairo to Fès (their battlefield in Group C) two days later pic.twitter.com/LVxtsk4yXH
Uzoho’s early arrival follows his most recent club appearance on Thursday night, when he was between the posts for Omonia in their 1–0 UEFA Europa Conference League victory over Rapid Wien. With Omonia not back in domestic action until Monday night against AEK Larnaca, the goalkeeper was free to report early to national duty.
Although Uzoho is not Omonia’s regular league starter due to the club’s rotational policy, he remains the preferred option in European competitions,a role that has helped keep him match-fit heading into the AFCON.
Defenders Chidozie Awaziem and midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro are also expected to arrive early, having featured for their clubs on Friday.
Chelle, Backroom Staff Arrive Ahead of Egypt Friendly
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and his entire backroom staff have also arrived in Egypt ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against the Pharaohs, which has been rescheduled for Tuesday.
Chelle led his French assistants out of France, while the Nigerian-based support crew, including medical personnel, assistant coaches and administrative staff — departed from Abuja earlier in the week.
New Challenge #AFCON2025 ✈️
— Daniel Ogunmodede .A (@CoachDan_Ijabal) December 13, 2025
— ✍ pic.twitter.com/xFQdbkbRBq
Assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu both arrived in Cairo on Saturday. Ogunmodede is the head coach of Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars, while Ilechukwu currently oversees Rangers International. Both managers left behind ongoing domestic league duties to join the national team setup.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday in what will serve as their final warm-up fixture before travelling to Morocco on a chartered flight.
Nigeria will open their AFCON campaign on December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars. Tunisia and Uganda complete Group C, setting up what promises to be a tightly contested group as the Super Eagles target a strong start in Morocco.
