Nigeria Start Final Preparations With 15 Players as AFCON Countdown Begins.

Super Eagles begin training in Cairo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria officially began their first training session in Cairo on Monday evening, kicking off final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The session was held inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium at 8pm, exactly one week before the start of the tournament, as the team fine-tunes plans ahead of their opening Group C fixture in Morocco.

A total of 15 players took part in the initial workout, including Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Amas Obasogie, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi.

Players who arrived in camp earlier on Monday — Paul Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi — also joined those already in camp after linking up from their respective clubs.

However, 13 players from the 28-man squad are still expected to arrive. Those yet to report include defenders Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem and Ryan Alebiosu; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika and Usman Muhammed; and forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon Moses, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Cyriel Dessers and Salim Fago.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the Eagles opened camp seven days before AFCON and three days ahead of an unofficial pre-tournament friendly against Egypt. The team was originally scheduled to begin preparations on Wednesday, December 10, but camp was opened earlier to maximize preparation time.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo for Fez on Thursday aboard a chartered flight, ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria will enjoy a major logistical advantage at AFCON under Morocco’s newly introduced base camp system. The Eagles will be based at the five-star Hotel Saharai in Fez, where they will also play all three Group C matches, eliminating the need for travel during the group stage.

In contrast, group opponents Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda will be based in Rabat and must travel to Fez for each match.

With Nigeria’s opening game against Tanzania set for December 23, the technical crew will use the remaining days in Cairo to integrate players, assess fitness levels and fine-tune tactical plans, as the Super Eagles chase continental glory in Morocco.