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.
About the author
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji, wife welcome triplets
Reports say the couple welcomed three baby boys and are overjoyed at the arrival of their children. The births come after intense public speculation about their family life and repeated online rumours over the years. Lateef and Mo Bimpe, who got married in 2021, had often faced pressure and insensitive comments about not having children yet. Many fans are now describing the triplets as a testimony and a reward for the couple’s patience and faith. Videos and photos shared online show the actors expressing gratitude to God and thanking well‑wishers for their prayers and support. They have, however, kept details such as the exact birth date and the babies’ names private for now. Colleagues from the movie industry, bloggers and fans have continued to celebrate the news, turning it into one of the most talked‑about celebrity stories of the week. […]
150 emerging talents grace NewHope Naija tourney
The inaugural NewHope Naija Football Club Scouting Tournament has showcased 150 emerging talents from academies in Lagos and Ijebu Ode at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The three day event drew more than 10 scouts from European and Chinese clubs, who watched closely for the next generation of Nigerian stars. Players from 12 football academies displayed their skills in tightly contested matches designed to test technique, game intelligence and mentality. Organisers said the format allowed scouts to see how youngsters perform under pressure in a competitive environment. Chen Yaosheng, President of Nationwide League One side NewHope Naija FC, said the tournament was created to give talented players a direct platform to be discovered. He expressed confidence that several participants will earn opportunities abroad based on their performances. Consultant to NewHope Naija FC and CEO of Henry 707 Sport Limited, Henry […]
EPL: Arsenal seek to ramp up heat on Man City in title race
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a poor domestic run with a hard fought 1 0 win over Newcastle United last weekend. That result kept them three points ahead of City, who still have a game in hand. According to data analysts Opta, Arsenal remain slight favourites to finish the season as champions if they win their remaining matches. However, any slip up against Fulham or in their final three games could swing the momentum decisively back towards Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal have struggled to score freely in recent weeks, failing to net more than once in any league match since mid March. City, by contrast, have hit form at the right time and are scoring with far greater ease. After facing Fulham, Arsenal still have tricky fixtures, including an away clash at West Ham United that many pundits see as their […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Supreme Court judgment: Rivers ADC shifts focus to winning 2027 polls
The Rivers State chapter of the African Democratic Congress says it is now fully focused on winning the 2027 general elections after a Supreme Court judgment restored the party’s David Mark led national leadership. The ruling set aside an earlier Court of Appeal order that had asked all factions to maintain the status quo in the party’s leadership crisis. Rivers ADC chairman elect Dr Chukwudi Dimkpa described the Supreme Court decision as a welcome development and a major relief for members. He said the verdict provides a clear and lawful pathway for the party to organise itself and prepare for the next polls. The apex court held that the Court of Appeal acted outside its jurisdiction when it issued fresh directives after already dismissing the appeal before it. Justices of the Supreme Court called the status quo order unnecessary, unwarranted […]
Related
150 emerging talents grace NewHope Naija tourney
The inaugural NewHope Naija Football Club Scouting Tournament has showcased 150 emerging talents from academies in Lagos and Ijebu Ode at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The three day event drew more than 10 scouts from European and Chinese clubs, who watched closely for the next generation of Nigerian stars. Players from 12 football academies displayed their skills in tightly contested matches designed to test technique, game intelligence and mentality. Organisers said the format allowed scouts to see how youngsters perform under pressure in a competitive environment. Chen Yaosheng, President of Nationwide League One side NewHope Naija FC, said the tournament was created to give talented players a direct platform to be discovered. He expressed confidence that several participants will earn opportunities abroad based on their performances. Consultant to NewHope Naija FC and CEO of Henry 707 Sport Limited, Henry […]
EPL: Arsenal seek to ramp up heat on Man City in title race
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a poor domestic run with a hard fought 1 0 win over Newcastle United last weekend. That result kept them three points ahead of City, who still have a game in hand. According to data analysts Opta, Arsenal remain slight favourites to finish the season as champions if they win their remaining matches. However, any slip up against Fulham or in their final three games could swing the momentum decisively back towards Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal have struggled to score freely in recent weeks, failing to net more than once in any league match since mid March. City, by contrast, have hit form at the right time and are scoring with far greater ease. After facing Fulham, Arsenal still have tricky fixtures, including an away clash at West Ham United that many pundits see as their […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Salah ‘deserves big send off’, says Liverpool boss Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Mohamed Salah deserves a big send off from supporters as the Anfield legend nears the end of his time at the club. The Egyptian forward is widely expected to leave in the summer after nine trophy laden years on Merseyside. Salah recently suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s 3 1 win over Crystal Palace, prompting fears he might have played his last game for the club. Slot however insisted he is hopeful the 33 year old will return before the end of the campaign so fans can say goodbye properly. The Dutch coach praised Salah’s professionalism and huge contribution since arriving from Roma in 2017. He said the forward has earned the right to a special farewell because of his goals, consistency and role in Liverpool’s modern success. Salah has scored more than 250 goals […]
Former England defender Ashley Young to retire at 40
Former England defender Ashley Young has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of this season, aged 40. Young, who now plays for Championship side Ipswich Town, said it will be “23 years and out” when the campaign finishes. The versatile full back and winger began his career at Watford before moving to Aston Villa, where his performances earned him a big money transfer to Manchester United in 2011. He later had spells at Inter Milan and Everton, winning league titles in both England and Italy. Young made his England debut in 2007 and went on to win 39 caps for the national team, scoring seven goals. He represented the Three Lions at major tournaments, including Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup. After leaving Everton in 2025, Young joined Ipswich on a one year deal and […]
Galatasaray declare Osimhen ‘untouchable’
Galatasaray have slammed the door on potential suitors for Victor Osimhen, declaring the Nigerian striker “untouchable” after his explosive impact in Turkey. The club has made it clear that they have no plans to entertain offers for the Super Eagles star this summer. Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan and has quickly become the team’s main attacking threat, delivering goals and big game performances, including in the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce. His form has attracted reported interest from top European clubs, including Arsenal and Real Madrid. Club insiders quoted in Turkish and Nigerian media say Galatasaray’s board views Osimhen as central to their domestic and European ambitions next season. They believe letting him leave now would weaken the squad and send the wrong message to supporters. Galatasaray officials are also said to be exploring ways to extend his stay beyond the […]