Preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are gathering momentum as twelve Super Eagles players are now in camp in Cairo, Egypt, ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu became the latest arrival on Monday, boosting the squad ahead of Nigeria’s pre-AFCON friendly against Egypt. The 31-year-old forward is expected to take part in the team’s first official training session at the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium later today.

The Super Eagles’ camp officially opened on Sunday, with goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali, alongside midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, among the early arrivals.

Nigeria will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a high-profile warm-up friendly on Tuesday, a fixture expected to provide head coach Eric Chelle with an early assessment of his squad’s readiness. After the match, the team will travel to Morocco to continue final preparations for the continental showpiece.

Players currently in camp:

Francis Uzoho
Stanley Nwabali
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
Amas Obasogie
Semi Ajayi
Ademola Lookman
Bright Osayi-Samuel
Igho Ogbu
Tochukwu Nnadi
Zaidu Sanusi
Paul Onuachu

Opinion: Early Arrivals Signal Serious Intent from the Super Eagles

The steady arrival of players into camp, especially experienced names like Paul Onuachu, is a positive sign for Nigerian fans who are eager to see a focused and united Super Eagles side at AFCON 2025. Early camping has often been a challenge for the national team, so this level of commitment suggests a renewed sense of professionalism and urgency.

The friendly against Egypt offers more than just match fitness—it is a psychological test. Facing a fellow African heavyweight at this stage will help expose tactical gaps, build chemistry, and sharpen the players’ mental readiness ahead of the tournament.

With a blend of experience and emerging talent already in camp, expectations are naturally rising. If this early seriousness is sustained through preparation and into the competition proper, the Super Eagles may well be positioning themselves not just as participants, but as genuine contenders in Morocco.