The Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, have officially opened their camp in Cairo, Egypt for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali leading the first batch of players to arrive. The camp opened on Sunday morning, marking the beginning of the Eagles’ preparation for the prestigious continental competition.
First Arrivals: Goalkeepers Lead the Charge
- Francis Uzoho, a surprise inclusion in the 28-man roster for the 2025 AFCON, was the first player to land in Cairo. His return to the Super Eagles after months of absence marks a significant moment for him and the team. Uzoho, who plays for Omonia in Cyprus, will be aiming to re-establish himself as the number one goalkeeper for Nigeria, especially with Stanley Nwabali still recovering from injury.
- Stanley Nwabali, who currently plays for Chippa United in South Africa, arrived at the camp shortly after Uzoho. Nwabali, who was Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper during their 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final run, will be working to regain full fitness and competition for the starting role.
Additional Arrivals and Expected Players
- Later on Sunday, players such as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, and Ademola Lookman are all expected to join the camp by the end of the day.
- Semi Ajayi, an experienced defender, will also make his way to the camp shortly.
While the goalkeeping position remains a topic of interest, Uzoho’s early arrival and the ongoing recovery of Nwabali give him a strong opportunity to stake a claim for the starting role between the posts.
Backroom Staff and Coaching Team
The Super Eagles’ coaching staff, led by Coach Eric Chelle, and the backroom staff have already settled into camp, ensuring that everything is in place for the team’s preparations. The coaching team will be focusing on fine-tuning the squad ahead of Nigeria’s friendly match against Egypt on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at the Cairo Stadium.
Nigeria’s Group and AFCON Fixtures
The Super Eagles are placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda for the 2025 AFCON. The group stage will commence on December 23, 2025, with Nigeria facing Tanzania. The schedule for the group stage is as follows:
- Nigeria vs. Tanzania – December 23, 2025
- Nigeria vs. Tunisia – December 27, 2025
- Nigeria vs. Uganda – December 30, 2025
After their warm-up match against Egypt, the Super Eagles will head to Fes, Morocco, where they will be based during the tournament’s group stage.
High Stakes for the Super Eagles
The 2025 AFCON is of particular importance for Nigeria, coming off the back of a disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in which they failed to secure a spot. This marks the second consecutive World Cup they will miss, putting additional pressure on the team to perform well in the upcoming continental competition. In 2023, Nigeria finished as runners-up in the AFCON, losing a tightly contested final to Côte d’Ivoire.
As the team prepares to face strong opponents like Tunisia and Uganda, their performance in the 2025 AFCON will be crucial not only for their reputation but also to restore confidence among Nigerian football fans after the World Cup disappointment.
A Strong Test for the Super Eagles
With a mix of experienced players and newcomers, the Super Eagles will be aiming to build a solid foundation during their training camp in Cairo. The friendly match against Egypt will serve as an important test before the start of the tournament, helping Coach Chelle and the team assess their readiness for what promises to be a challenging tournament.
The next few days will be crucial as the squad continues to assemble and prepare for their first test against Tanzania. The Super Eagles will be hoping to capitalize on their momentum from the 2023 AFCON and secure a strong start in the 2025 competition.
