The Nigerian Super Eagles began preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, with a few players arriving early for a five-day training camp in Egypt.
The 2025 AFCON will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Super Eagles began training seven days before the commencement of the tournament and three days before their unofficial pre-tournament friendly versus Egypt’s Pharaohs.
Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho were the first to arrive at the team’s camp in Cairo’s Renaissance Hotel.
Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, told Punch Sports Extra that more players were expected to arrive at the camp on Sunday night and Monday (today), depending on travel schedules and other factors.
The team’s first training session is also scheduled for today.
According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the Super Eagles were scheduled to begin final preparations on Wednesday, December 10. On Thursday, the players will take a chartered airplane from Cairo to Fez, Morocco, their tournament base.
Last Thursday, head coach Eric Chelle named his final 28-man squad for the tournament, recalling Uzoho after more than a year away from the national team. Nwabali’s early arrival is also a benefit for Nigeria, as he was allegedly doubtful for the competition owing to injury. Amas Obasogie, the shot-stopper for Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars, will join both goalkeepers.
The team is expected to undergo their first training session today.Trabzonspor attacker Paul Onuachu also returned to the national team, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and Tolu Arokodare, a regular invitee in recent years, were left out of the final roster.
Chelle picked three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine strikers, with five new players earning their first call-ups.
In defence, Blackburn Rovers’ Ryan Alebiosu won his first invitation, while Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu was also named to the squad.
Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, an Inter Milan prodigy and Remo Stars Academy graduate, joined Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi.
Lawal Salim Fago, a Croatian striker and former Flying Eagles forward, is the latest addition to Nigeria’s attacking lineup, adding depth.
Calvin Bassey, a Fulham defender, will make his second AFCON appearance, joining experienced players such as Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi.
Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika comprise the experienced core of the eight-man midfield.
Victor Osimhen will lead the attack, assisted by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Sevilla’s Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos kept his spot, while Onuachu received his first invitation under Chelle after a strong performance in Turkey.
Nigeria has been placed in Group C, where they will meet Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign on December 23 against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, then face Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.
Nigeria, who finished second in the last AFCON after losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast, will be aiming for their fourth continental title, having won it in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the commencement of the NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign as the Super Eagles return to continental play for the 2025 tournament in Morocco, underlining their determination to reclaiming the historic championship.
