Egypt and Nigeria are set to clash in Cairo on Tuesday in their final friendly match before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off this Sunday. Egypt’s squad trained on Monday, focusing on tactics and team cohesion ahead of the high-profile friendly. The Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, will travel to host nation Morocco after the match to finalize preparations for the group stage, where they are drawn alongside Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Angola. Their tournament opener is against Zimbabwe on 22 December.
Nigeria also held a training session Monday, fine-tuning strategies and assessing player readiness. Coach Eric Chelle is likely to field an experimental lineup due to key absences, including striker Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and winger Moses Simon from Paris FC, both of whom have yet to join the squad. The Super Eagles are in Group C with Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, with all matches scheduled in Fez. AFCON 2025 runs from 21 December to 18 January. Kickoff for the Egypt vs. Nigeria friendly is scheduled for 18:00 GMT on Tuesday, 16 December in Cairo.
