The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria face seven-time African champions Egypt on Tuesday night in a pre-AFCON pleasant on the Cairo Worldwide Stadium, as each side fine-tune preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Though the fixture has been stripped of full worldwide standing, it stays a priceless rehearsal between two continental heavyweights with a wealthy and aggressive historical past.
Nigeria’s disrupted build-up
Nigeria’s preparations have been removed from very best. FIFA laws permitted European golf equipment to retain African gamers longer than anticipated, disrupting the Tremendous Eagles’ schedule and forcing the cancellation of a deliberate warm-up match.
In consequence, this conflict with Egypt could possibly be Nigeria’s solely outing earlier than AFCON kicks off on Sunday, December 21.
Head coach Eric Chelle opened camp on Sunday, December 14, and has had only one full coaching session together with his squad forward of the sport.
A number of gamers are anticipated to reach in Cairo solely hours earlier than kick-off, whereas others will not be risked in any respect. Regardless of these limitations, the fixture provides a chance to check tactical concepts, assess squad depth and gauge match readiness—significantly amongst new call-ups adapting to the technical crew’s philosophy.
Head-to-head report
Nigeria and Egypt have met 19 occasions, with the Tremendous Eagles holding a slim edge: 9 wins, 5 attracts and 5 defeats.
Nigeria have additionally gained the final two conferences by single-goal margins. Paul Onuachu scored the winner in a 2019 pleasant, whereas Kelechi Iheanacho netted the decisive aim in a 1-0 group-stage victory on the 2021 AFCON. In recent times, the fixture has been notably cagey, with solely one of many final ten encounters producing greater than two objectives.
Workforce information and choice
Chelle has named a 28-man AFCON squad comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and 9 forwards.
Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali are already in camp, with extra Europe-based gamers due earlier than Tuesday.
Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Calvin Bassey are amongst these anticipated in Cairo.
Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke arrive on the again of sturdy membership kind and are already with the squad.
Paul Onuachu and Wilfred Ndidi conclude membership duties on Sunday evening, whereas Zaidu Sanusi is anticipated to report on matchday following Porto’s Monday fixture. With restricted preparation time, heavy rotation is probably going.
Fringe gamers and up to date invitees could possibly be given alternatives, whereas Osimhen and several other regulars could also be rested to keep away from pointless danger.
Egypt extra settled
Egypt head into the match in a extra secure place. Head coach Hossam Hassan has labored together with his squad for a number of weeks and chosen a balanced 28-man group.
Captain Mohamed Salah is accessible, supported by attacking choices together with Mostafa Mohamed, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Ahmed Sayed Zizo and Omar Marmoush.
