The Super Eagles camp in Cairo is now at full strength following the arrival of star striker Victor Osimhen on Wednesday night, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Osimhen arrived at about 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time, completing the list of 28 invited players for the tournament, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed Osimhen’s arrival and described it as a major morale boost for the team. He said that with all players now in camp, the entire squad can focus fully on final preparations and a common objective at AFCON.
The team opened camp on Sunday, 14 December, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with all coaches and backroom staff already on ground. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to report, arriving shortly after 2 a.m. local time and setting an early tone of commitment ahead of the competition.
Since then, the Eagles have held training sessions on Monday and Tuesday before playing a friendly match against hosts Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium. Osimhen, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze did not feature in that game as they were still rounding off club engagements ahead of the tournament.
Nigeria lost the friendly 2 to 1 to Egypt, but Efoghe said the technical crew viewed the match mainly as an opportunity for assessment and fine tuning. According to him, the coaches were more interested in testing player combinations, fitness levels and tactical understanding than in the final scoreline.
Defender Chidozie Awaziem and striker Paul Onuachu also downplayed the defeat, expressing confidence that the team would improve before competitive games begin. Awaziem said the match highlighted areas needing correction, while Onuachu noted that the high intensity would help the squad adjust quickly ahead of their AFCON opener.
Both players stressed that the team remains united and motivated. Onuachu added that the focus is on learning from mistakes now rather than during the tournament itself, and on being fully ready for the first group match.
Wednesday’s training schedule included a gym session at 11 a.m. and an evening field session at 5 p.m. as preparations gathered pace. The Super Eagles are expected to depart Cairo on Thursday for Fez in Morocco, where they will play their Group C fixtures against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Efoghe said the mood in camp is positive and that the players understand the expectations of millions of Nigerians following the team. He noted that there is a strong sense of responsibility within the squad and a determination to give their best in Morocco.
Nigeria, three time AFCON champions, will be aiming to better their recent performances on the continent and mount a serious challenge for the title. With all 28 invited players now in camp, the team’s final build up to the tournament is in full swing.
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