The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo has expanded to 22 players following the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly against Egypt.
Earlier on Monday, Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman, along with defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, reported to the team’s base at the Renaissance Hotel, adding to the growing squad.
Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also joined the camp to strengthen the team.
They linked up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who checked in on Sunday.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe disclosed that 20 players took part in the team’s first training session held on Monday evening.
He explained that the session was productive, with players showing strong commitment and positive energy as preparations gathered momentum.
Efoghe added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, bringing the total number of players in camp to 22, while six more were still being expected.
As part of the build-up to the continental tournament, the Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
The encounter between the three-time African champions and the seven-time title holders is scheduled for 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) as both sides fine-tune their squads for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Efoghe confirmed that the team is expected to depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue final preparations.
Nigeria’s campaign for a fourth AFCON title, following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994 and 2013, will open on Dec. 23 against Tanzania under the tournament slogan, “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”
The Super Eagles will also take on Tunisia on Dec. 27 and Uganda on Dec. 30 in Group C, with all matches slated for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Meanwhile, Egypt, the most successful nation in the history of the competition, will compete against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B, with their matches set to take place in Agadir.