Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reached a key milestone on Wednesday night with the arrival of Victor Osimhen at the Super Eagles’ training camp in Cairo, Egypt.
The Napoli striker touched down at about 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time, completing the full list of 28 invited players as the team steps up final preparations for the continental tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The development was confirmed by the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, who described Osimhen’s arrival as a significant boost to team morale.
“Victor Osimhen joined the camp late Wednesday night and that means we now have all invited players in camp,” Efoghe said. “It is a big lift for the squad because everyone is now focused on the same objective as final preparations begin in earnest.”
The Super Eagles opened camp on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, with coaches and backroom staff arriving ahead of the players. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to report, arriving shortly after 2 a.m. local time and setting the tone for early commitment.
Since then, the team has held multiple training sessions as part of their build-up. Nigeria also played an international friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium, losing 2–1. Osimhen, along with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, did not feature in the match due to club commitments.
Efoghe stressed that the result of the friendly was not a cause for concern.
“The friendly against Egypt was purely for assessment and fine-tuning,” he said. “The coaches were more interested in combinations, fitness levels and tactical understanding than the scoreline.”
Players have echoed similar sentiments, insisting that the defeat provided useful lessons rather than setbacks. Defender Chidozie Awaziem said the match exposed areas that require improvement.
“These games will help us to correct mistakes early,” Awaziem said. “It is better to learn now than during the tournament.”
Striker Paul Onuachu also played down fears, emphasising unity within the squad.
“We are not discouraged,” Onuachu said. “The focus is on improving every day and being ready for our first group game.”
Wednesday’s activities included a gym session in the morning and an evening training session as preparations intensified. The team is scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday for Fès, where they will play their Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
According to Efoghe, the atmosphere in camp remains positive, with players fully aware of expectations from Nigerians at home.
“There is a strong sense of responsibility in camp,” he said. “The players know what Nigerians expect and they are determined to give their best in Morocco.”
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be staged across several Moroccan cities, and Nigeria will be aiming to mount a serious title challenge as they seek to improve on their recent performances on the continental stage.
