Nigeria duo Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon to miss pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt

Nigeria will head into their international friendly against Egypt without the services of attacking stars Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) continue.

The duo are expected to travel directly from their respective bases to Morocco, where the tournament will be held.

However, head coach, Eric Chelle will seize the opportunity to test several new and young players in his squad in the high-profile friendly match.

Players tipped to get game time include Pisa midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, Tochukwu Nnadi of Belgian outfit Zulte-Waregem, and Croatia-based forward Salim Fago Lawal.

The friendly match, which serves as part of Nigeria’s build-up to AFCON 2025, will be staged at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday.

Nigeria currently has eleven players in camp, marking steady progress in the team’s buildup ahead of upcoming engagements.

The Super Eagles awaits additional 12 players on Monday, December 15, as preparations intensify for the much-anticipated AFCON 2025.

The West African football heavyweights will compete in Group C, where they face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Nigeria will open their account at the continental mundial against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.