Awaziem equalises before Mostafa Mohamed seals win for hosts.
In a tightly contested pre-Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 international friendly, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night as both teams fine-tuned preparations ahead of the continental tournament in Morocco.
Egypt Takes Early Lead; Awaziem Responds
The hosts drew first blood in the 28th minute, when Egyptian midfielder Mahmoud Saber steered home a well-placed cross from Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” to open the scoring, sending the home crowd into jubilant cheers.
Nigeria showed resilience, growing into the contest and finding an equaliser deep into first-half stoppage time (45+3’). Defender Chidozie Awaziem powered in a header from a Zaidu Sanusi dead-ball delivery after goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy could not fully claim the ball.
Pharaohs Restore Lead After Break
After the interval, Egypt driven by incisive play from Zizo regained the advantage in the 53rd minute when striker Mostafa Mohamed pounced on a split in the Nigerian defence and fired low past the goalkeeper to make it 2–1.
Despite sustained Nigerian pressure in the closing stages and opportunities involving players like Cyriel Dessers and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the Super Eagles could not find a second equaliser.
Both teams were without some key stars notably Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen; giving coaches a chance to assess wider squad depth ahead of AFCON.
For the Super Eagles, who will now shift focus to their opening AFCON match against Tanzania on December 23, this friendly offered valuable tactical insights despite the loss. Egypt will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on December 22. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.