Super Eagles camp swells to 22 ahead of Egypt friendly

The Super Eagles camp in Cairo has expanded to 22 players with the addition of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, in preparation for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations international friendly match against Egypt.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, along with defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, reported to camp earlier on Monday at the Renaissance Hotel, contributing to a growing squad.

Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi were also among the latest arrivals to strengthen the team.

They joined early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who had checked in on Sunday.

Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe informed NAN that 20 players took part in the team’s first training session held on Monday evening.

"Training proceeded smoothly, and the players exhibited good energy and commitment, which is promising at this stage of preparations," Efoghe stated.

Efoghe mentioned that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after training, increasing the number of players in camp to 22, with six more anticipated.

He indicated that as part of their preparations, the Super Eagles would face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

"The friendly will assist the technical staff in evaluating team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge," Efoghe remarked.

Nigeria, a three-time champion, will face seven-time winners Egypt at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) as part of the lead-up to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

Efoghe confirmed that the team will leave Cairo for Féz on Thursday via a chartered flight to continue their final preparations.

Nigeria’s pursuit of a fourth continental title, following victories in 1980, 1994, and 2013, will commence on Dec. 23 against Tanzania, under the theme "NAIJA 4 THE WIN."

The Eagles will also face Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 in Group C, with all matches scheduled for the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

Egypt, the only nation to win AFCON three consecutive times, will battle South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in Group B, with matches held in Agadir.