Uzoho, Nwabali Arrive Early as Super Eagles Open AFCON 2025 Camp in Cairo

Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali were the first players to arrive at the Super Eagles’ camp as preparations began for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Uzoho, who is returning to the national team after months away, was the earliest arrival, touching down at the Super Eagles’ base in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday morning. The Omonia Nicosia goalkeeper was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the continental tournament and wasted no time in reporting for duty as the camp officially opened.

Shortly after, Stanley Nwabali of South Africa’s Chippa United also arrived. A video shared on the Super Eagles’ official X handle showed Nwabali alighting from a bus and checking into the team’s hotel in Cairo, confirming the commencement of full camp activities.

Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Akinsanmiro Ebenezer arrived later in the day, while several other players, including Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi, were expected to join the squad before the end of Sunday.

With Nwabali still nursing injury concerns, Uzoho will be hopeful of reclaiming the number-one goalkeeper position ahead of the Chippa United shot-stopper. The goalkeeping department is completed by Amas Obasogie of Tanzania’s Singida Blackstars, who makes up the trio selected for the tournament.

More players are expected to report to camp in the coming days, particularly those involved in club matches across Europe over the weekend.

The Super Eagles will face hosts Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Cairo Stadium as part of their final build-up to the tournament. Following the encounter, the team coached by Eric Chelle will travel to Fes, Morocco, which will serve as Nigeria’s base for the group stage of the competition.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars on December 23, before taking on Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on December 27. They will conclude the group stage with a clash against Uganda’s Cranes three days later.

The 2025 AFCON carries added significance for Nigeria after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the second consecutive time the country will miss the global showpiece. The pressure is further heightened by Nigeria’s strong showing at the last edition of the tournament, where they finished as runners-up after losing a closely contested final to hosts Côte d’Ivoire at the 2023 AFCON.