The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo became complete on Wednesday night with the arrival of Victor Osimhen, as Nigeria ramps up preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Osimhen touched down at around 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time (10:45 p.m. local time), completing the squad of 28 invited players for the continental tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe described the striker’s arrival as a major morale boost for the team.
“Victor Osimhen joined the camp late Wednesday night, and that means all invited players are now in camp. It is a big lift for the squad as final preparations begin in earnest,” Efoghe said.
Camp Preparations Underway
The camp officially opened on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with all coaches and backroom staff present. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive shortly after 2 a.m. local time, setting the tone for early commitment.
Since then, the team has held two training sessions ahead of a friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium. However, Osimhen, along with wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, missed the friendly as they completed club commitments.
Nigeria lost 2-1 to Egypt, but Efoghe emphasized that the result would not distract the team.
“The friendly was purely for assessment and fine-tuning. Coaches were more focused on combinations, fitness, and tactical understanding than the scoreline,” he said.
Defenders Chidozie Awaziem and striker Paul Onuachu echoed confidence in the squad, noting that the match highlighted areas for improvement ahead of AFCON.
“These games help us correct mistakes early. It’s better to learn now than during the tournament,” said Awaziem.
“We are not discouraged,” Onuachu added. “The focus is on improving every day and being ready for our first group game.”
Intensified Training and Positive Mood
Wednesday’s programme included a gym session at 11 a.m. and an evening training session at 5 p.m., as preparations intensified. The team will depart Cairo on Thursday for Fés, Morocco, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda in Group C. Meanwhile, Egypt will move to Agadir for their Group B fixtures.
Efoghe highlighted the positive atmosphere in camp:
“There is a strong sense of responsibility. The players know what Nigerians expect and are determined to give their best in Morocco.”
Full List: Super Eagles’ 28 AFCON Invitees (Order of Arrival)
- 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
- Ryan Alebiosu
- Salim Fago
- Chidozie Awaziem
- Usman Mohammed
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Moses Simon
- Victor Osimhen
With all players now in camp, the Super Eagles are focused and motivated, preparing to make a strong showing in Morocco 2025 AFCON.
