Super Eagles squad reaches 22 players in Cairo as Nigeria gears up for AFCON warm-up friendly against Egypt

The Super Eagles squad in Cairo has expanded to 22 players with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Egypt.

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Earlier on Monday, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel joined the camp at the Renaissance Hotel.

Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also reported.

They joined early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who checked in on Sunday.

Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe told the News Agency of Nigeria that 20 players participated in the team’s first training session on Monday evening.

“Training went smoothly, and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Efoghe said.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge and Alebiosu arrived shortly after training, raising the squad to 22 players, with six more expected in the coming days.

The friendly against Egypt will take place on Tuesday at Cairo International Stadium, providing the coaching staff an opportunity to assess team shape ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time).

Following the match, the Super Eagles will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday to continue final AFCON preparations.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, will begin their quest for a fourth title on December 23 against Tanzania in Morocco.

They will also face Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30 in Group C at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

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Egypt, the only nation to win AFCON three consecutive times, will compete against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in Group B, with matches in Agadir.