EGYPT EDGE SUPER EAGLES 2 TO 1 IN CAIRO FRIENDLY AHEAD OF AFCON

By: Gyang Dakwo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2 to 1 loss to Egypt on Tuesday evening as the Pharaohs secured their first win over Nigeria in nine years. The international friendly was played at the Cairo International Stadium and served as Nigeria’s final tune up ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Egypt took the lead in the first half through Mahmoud Saber, but Nigeria responded with confidence and purpose and soon found an equaliser. Chidozie Awaziem rose to the moment to score and bring the Super Eagles level, and the goal briefly shifted momentum in Nigeria’s favour. However, Mostafa Mohamed struck in the second half and that effort proved enough to seal the win for the hosts.

The game offered head coach Eric Chelle a last chance to assess his squad in match conditions before the tournament begins on Sunday. Although the players had only two full training sessions together, Nigeria started brightly and settled quicker than Egypt, and they enjoyed spells of control in the early stages.

Chelle maintained his preferred four four two diamond formation, and Stanley Nwabali recovered from an injury scare to start in goal. He was protected by a defence that featured Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi Samuel.

In midfield, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro made his Super Eagles debut, and he was supported by Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Frank Onyeka. Up front, Paul Onuachu partnered Chidera Ejuke as Nigeria looked to test the Egyptian defence.

Nigeria will remain in Cairo until Thursday before travelling to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. Their opening match is against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, and Chelle will be hoping that key players such as Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi will be fit and available as the tournament gets underway.