Early arrivals set tone for AFCON 2025 camp as Nigeria intensifies preparations in Egypt.
The Super Eagles national team has begun assembling in Cairo, Egypt, with eleven players already in camp ahead of the scheduled 8 pm training session on Monday as preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) intensify.
Nigeria’s gradual build-up sees key internationals linking up early, giving head coach Eric Sékou Chelle an opportunity to instill tactical discipline and team cohesion ahead of the continental showpiece in Morocco later this month.
Players in Camp So Far
The early arrivals, according to verified reports, include a mix of established internationals and emerging contributors:
Francis Uzoho – Goalkeeper and one of the first to arrive
Stanley Nwabali – First-choice shot-stopper
Wilfred Ndidi – Midfielder
Alex Iwobi – Creative playmaker
Victor Osimhen – Nigeria’s talismanic striker
Frank Onyeka – Midfield anchor
Dele-Bashiru – Midfield dynamo
Samuel Chukwueze – Wide attacking threat
Benjamin Tanimu – Defender
Moses Simon – Winger
Calvin Bassey – Defender
These players participated in team sessions and light drills as they acclimatize to the coaching demands and tactical expectations, setting a competitive tone for incoming teammates yet to arrive.
According to the provisional squad list recently announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the full Super Eagles roster includes a blend of experienced internationals like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, and Stanley Nwabali, alongside promising talents and home-based standouts.
Arriving ahead of Monday’s evening session gives these early birds valuable time to bond with coaching staff and each other, building the tactical familiarity essential for AFCON success. The strategic early preparation also ensures players can recover and avoid last-minute fitness issues that often impact performance in major tournaments.
The AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco represent an early-season peak for the Super Eagles, who will be determined to make a statement after mixed results in recent competitive fixtures. Their opening match in the tournament is expected to be a major test of the team’s cohesion and strategy under Coach Chelle.
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