Super Eagles: 24 Players Train In Cairo Ahead Egypt Friendly

Super Eagles trained with 24 players in Cairo ahead Egypt friendly.
Key stars Salah Marmoush and Osimhen will miss the match.
Both teams fine tune plans for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday intensified preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with their second training session at the Cairo International Stadium as the squad in camp increased to 24 players.

Defenders Salim Fago and Chidozie Awaziem arrived to bolster head coach Eric Chelle’s options as focus sharpens ahead of tonight’s international friendly against Egypt, scheduled for 7 p.m. Nigerian time.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that all three goalkeepers Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie took part in the session. They trained alongside defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi and Igho Ogbu.

Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer were also involved, while Ademola Lookman, Paul Onuachu, Cyril Dessers, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke led attacking drills.

The match, seen as a final test ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, will be played without some of the continent’s biggest stars. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, along with Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, will not feature.

All three players missed training sessions on Monday night and Tuesday morning, effectively ruling them out of the encounter in Cairo.

Egyptian media reports said head coach Hossam Hassan decided to rest Salah and Marmoush after their delayed arrival in camp. Osimhen, meanwhile, is yet to report to Nigeria’s base in Cairo after leaving Galatasaray in Turkey.

Hassan trained 26 players on Monday night, focusing on tactical adjustments ahead of Egypt’s tournament opener against Zimbabwe on December 22. Local outlet FilGoal reported that the decision to rest the Premier League players was pre planned to allow additional recovery time.

Egypt’s preparations have also been affected by minor fitness concerns. National team director Ibrahim Hassan confirmed that Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet was rested following a dental procedure, while midfielder Ibrahim Adel is recovering from an ankle injury sustained in the UAE Pro League. Both players are expected to be available for the opening match.

The Egyptian Football Association confirmed that international referee Mahmoud Nagi will officiate the friendly, assisted by Samir Gamal and Youssef El Basaty, with VAR in operation. Egypt are scheduled to travel to Morocco on Wednesday evening to conclude their Africa Cup of Nations build up.