AFCON 2025: Nigeria open pre-tournament camp in Egypt with four players

Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially got underway over the weekend as the Super Eagles opened their pre-tournament training camp in Cairo, Egypt, with four players already reporting for duty.

Midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer were the latest to arrive, joining goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho at the camp as preparations intensified ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Their presence marked a steady start to the national team’s final phase of preparation.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the camp opened on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, with the technical crew and backroom staff fully in place. Uzoho was the first player to check in, arriving shortly after 2:00 a.m. and setting the tone for the rest of the squad.

Later in the day, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also joined the camp, offering encouragement as more players are expected to arrive in the coming hours. His early appearance comes amid recent concerns surrounding his fitness following ankle and hand problems, but his inclusion in Eric Sékou Chelle’s final 28-man squad and his timely arrival suggest confidence within the coaching staff regarding his condition.

Stanley Nwabali joins Francis Uzoho and the coaching crew in Egypt as camp opens for #AFCON2025.#Naija4TheWin #LetsDoItAgain pic.twitter.com/jotmiwBxGw

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 14, 2025

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, has been Nigeria’s undisputed number one since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he played a key role in the Super Eagles’ run to the final before a 2-1 defeat to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. The 29-year-old has since strengthened his position in the team, earning 27 international caps.

Several other players are also anticipated to arrive later, including Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Ademola Lookman and Semi Ajayi, as the camp gradually fills up.

The Cairo camp will culminate in a practice match against Egypt on Tuesday, December 16, at the Cairo Stadium. Although initially scheduled as an international friendly, the match was reclassified due to FIFA regulations on player release, allowing for unlimited substitutions.