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Full House in Cairo as Osimhen Completes Super Eagles Squad

SPORTS | AFCON 2025

Full House in Cairo as Osimhen Completes Super Eagles Squad

CAIRO, EGYPT — December 18, 2025

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reached full strength on Wednesday with the arrival of star striker Victor Osimhen at the Super Eagles’ training camp in Cairo.

Osimhen, the Galatasaray forward and Africa’s reigning Footballer of the Year, was the final player to report to camp among the 28-man squad invited by Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle. His arrival comes just ahead of the team’s scheduled departure to Morocco, where Nigeria will base its AFCON campaign.

Boost for Camp and Coaching Crew

The arrival of Osimhen completes a roster that already includes late arrivals Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon, giving Chelle his full complement of players for the final phase of preparations.

Team officials say the striker’s presence provides a major psychological and tactical boost as the Super Eagles intensify preparations for the continental showpiece.

Leadership Question Emerges

With long-time captain Ahmed Musa having retired from international football and William Troost-Ekong absent from the squad, leadership discussions have gained momentum within the camp.

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has publicly backed Osimhen for the captain’s armband, citing his outspoken nature and ability to motivate teammates on and off the pitch.

Friendly Reality Check Against Egypt

Nigeria’s final pre-tournament friendly ended in a 2–1 defeat to hosts Egypt earlier this week at the Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt opened the scoring in the 28th minute through Mahmoud Saber before Nigeria responded just before half-time, when defender Chidozie Awaziem headed in an equaliser following a goalkeeping error.

The hosts secured the winning goal in the 53rd minute through Mostafa Mohamed, sealing the victory for the Pharaohs.

Coach Chelle used the encounter to assess new faces, including Inter Milan youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, describing the match as a valuable learning opportunity ahead of the tournament.

Departure to Morocco

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo later on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fez, Morocco, which will serve as their base for the group stage.

Group C Fixtures:

  • Nigeria vs Tanzania — December 23
  • Nigeria vs Tunisia — December 27
  • Uganda vs Nigeria — December 30

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