The Pharaohs of Egypt edged the Super Eagles 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, in what amounted to the two teams’ final preparatory game ahead of the commencement of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco on Sunday.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

Nigeria started with an unusual 3-5-2 formation, for the first time under Coach Eric Chelle, but they maintained balance and dominated possession in the first quarter-hour, before the hosts clawed their way into the game with sharp counterattacks which paid off midway into the first half when they took the lead.

Three-time AFCON winners Nigeria kept their shape despite the setback and threatened the Pharaohs’ rearguard with a combination of long balls and quick movements through the middle. The Eagles were dangerous from dead-ball situations and in added time, defender Zaidu Sanusi swung one into the box that was guided into the net by Chidozie Awaziem for the equalizer.

In the second half, the Eagles reverted to 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of Amas Obasogie in goal, as well as Ademola Lookman, Cyril Dessers, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Tochukwu Nnadi. Possession appeared largely balanced in the half but the Pharaohs struck from what looked like offside positioning. Nigeria protested but the referee stuck to his gun.

The hosts then resorted to defending deep into their own half to thwart every onslaught from the Eagles. Coach Eric Chelle was shown a yellow card after remonstrating one of the referee’s poor decisions, including a handball incident in the Egyptian box that was waved away.

The Super Eagles will fly to Fés on Thursday aboard a chartered flight for their Group C encounters against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda (in that order), while the Pharaohs head to Agadir for Group B games against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.

With the countdown to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) gathering momentum, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued clear guidance to supporters on items that will not be allowed inside stadiums throughout the tournament.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

AFCON 2025 is scheduled to begin on December 21 in Morocco, and organisers say the restrictions are designed to guarantee safety, order and a smooth experience for fans attending matches across the host cities.

According to guidelines published on CAF’s official website on Monday, all spectators will be subjected to security screening before being granted access to stadiums. Supporters have been strongly advised to leave prohibited items at home to avoid delays or denial of entry on match days.

CAF stressed that the measures are part of broader security arrangements put in place to protect fans, players and officials during Africa’s flagship football competition.

Items banned from all AFCON 2025 stadiums include alcoholic beverages, illegal substances and drugs, weapons and sharp objects, fireworks and pyrotechnics, glass bottles or containers, and flammable materials. Racist, violent or discriminatory banners are also prohibited, along with unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs.

Other restricted items listed by CAF include drones and animals, large umbrellas and oversized hats, professional cameras and recording equipment, musical instruments and loud horns, radio-emitting devices except mobile phones, as well as heavy or large bags.

The football body urged supporters to cooperate fully with security personnel to ensure matches are played in a safe and friendly atmosphere befitting the tournament.
Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums in Morocco:

Alcoholic beverages
Illegal substances and drugs
Weapons and sharp objects
Fireworks and pyrotechnics
Glass bottles or containers
Flammable materials
Racist, violent or discriminatory banners
Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs
Drones and animals
Large umbrellas and oversized hats
Professional cameras and recording equipment
Musical instruments and loud horns
Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones)
Heavy or large bags

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have officially kicked off preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the first batch of Super Eagles players arriving in Cairo on Sunday for a five-day training camp ahead of the tournament.....TAP TO CONTINUE READING

The continental showpiece will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, and Nigeria has started fine-tuning plans for another title push.

Goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Francis Uzoho were the first to report at the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo.

Their early arrival comes seven days before the tournament begins and three days ahead of an unofficial pre-tournament friendly against Egypt’s Pharaohs.

The Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, stated that several other players were expected to arrive later on Sunday night and on Monday, depending on flight schedules and any unforeseen travel issues. He also confirmed that the team would hold its first training session on Monday.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the squad was initially scheduled to begin final preparations on Wednesday, December 10. However, plans were adjusted to allow the team more time together. The Super Eagles will leave Cairo for Fez, their tournament base in Morocco, on Thursday via a chartered flight.

Naija News reports that coach Eric Chelle unveiled his final 28-man squad on Thursday, with a few notable inclusions and omissions. Uzoho earned a recall after more than a year away from the national team, while Nwabali’s presence in camp has eased concerns following reports that he was doubtful due to injury.

Both goalkeepers will compete for the number one spot alongside Singida Black Stars of Tanzania shot-stopper Amas Obasogie.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu also made a return to the squad, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and regular invitee Tolu Arokodare missed out on the final list.

Chelle selected three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards, handing first senior call-ups to five players.

Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu received his maiden invitation, while Slavia Prague centre-back Igoh Ogbu was included among the central defensive options.

The midfield has been strengthened with the addition of Inter Milan youngster and Remo Stars Academy product Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Israel-based Usman Muhammed and former Flying Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi. In attack, Croatia-based striker and ex-Flying Eagles forward Lawal Salim Fago is the latest newcomer, adding fresh options to Nigeria’s frontline.

Fulham defender Calvin Bassey is set for his second AFCON appearance and will line up alongside seasoned campaigners such as Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika provide experience and balance, while Victor Osimhen will lead the attack.

He will be supported by Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and the Sevilla duo of Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. Cyriel Dessers of Panathinaikos retained his place, with Onuachu earning his first invitation under Chelle following his strong form in Turkey.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles will begin their campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23, before facing Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27 and Uganda’s Cranes on December 30.

The following are all the Super Eagles players who have arrived in camp as of Sunday night, December 14: Uzoho, Nwabali, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, ⁠Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and ⁠Semi Ajayi.