Victor Osimhen Boosts Super Eagles Camp as AFCON 2025 Preparations Intensify
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have received a significant morale boost following the arrival of Victor Osimhen at the team’s training camp in Cairo, Egypt, completing the full list of 28 invited players ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Osimhen arrived late on Wednesday night, around 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time, marking a key moment as final preparations for the tournament, scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, entered a critical phase.
The development was confirmed by Promise Efoghe, Super Eagles Media Officer, who described the striker’s presence as a major psychological lift for the squad.
“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.”
Early Camp Activities and Friendly Against Egypt
The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with the full coaching crew and backroom staff in attendance. Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, landing shortly after 2 a.m. local time, setting the tone for early commitment.
Since then, the team has held multiple training sessions, including workouts on Monday and Tuesday, before taking on Egypt in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.
Nigeria fell 2–1 to the hosts in the warm-up match, but team officials stressed that the result was secondary to performance evaluation.
“The friendly against Egypt was purely for assessment and fine-tuning,” Efoghe explained.
“The coaches were more interested in combinations, fitness levels, and tactical understanding than the scoreline.”
Key Absentees and Player Reactions
Notably, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze were unavailable for the friendly as they concluded club duties ahead of the tournament.
Reacting to the defeat, defender Chidozie Awaziem and striker Paul Onuachu expressed confidence that the team would peak when it matters most.
“These games will help us correct mistakes early,” Awaziem said.
“It is better to learn now than during the tournament.”
Onuachu emphasized unity and resilience within the squad:
“We are not discouraged. The focus is on improving every day and being ready for our first group game.”
Training Schedule and Travel Plans
Wednesday’s programme featured a morning gym session at 11 a.m. followed by an evening training session at 5 p.m., as preparations intensified.
The team is scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday for Fés, where Nigeria will contest Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Egypt, meanwhile, will relocate to Agadir for their Group B fixtures.
Efoghe said the mood within the camp remained upbeat, underlining the players’ awareness of expectations back home.
“There is a strong sense of responsibility in camp.
The players know what Nigerians expect, and they are determined to give their best in Morocco.”
Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 Ambition
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted across multiple cities in Morocco, represents another major opportunity for Nigeria to assert itself on the continental stage. With the full squad now assembled, the Super Eagles are focused on improving recent performances and mounting a serious title challenge.
Full List: Super Eagles’ 28 AFCON Invitees (Order of Arrival)
The following is the complete list of invited players, arranged strictly by order of arrival at camp:
- Francis Uzoho
- Stanley Nwabali
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
- Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
- Amas Obasogie
- Semi Ajayi
- Ademola Lookman
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Igho Ogbu
- Tochukwu Nnadi
- Zaidu Sanusi
- Paul Onuachu
- Frank Onyeka
- Calvin Bassey
- Alex Iwobi
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Bruno Onyemaechi
- Cyril Dessers
- Akor Adams
- Chidera Ejuke
- Raphael Onyedika
- Ryan Alebiosu
- Salim Fago
- Chidozie Awaziem
- Usman Mohammed
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Moses Simon
- Victor Osimhen
All 28 players are now in camp as Nigeria intensifies preparations for their Group C campaign at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
FAQs
When does AFCON 2025 take place?
AFCON 2025 runs from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
Where is Nigeria based ahead of the tournament?
The Super Eagles opened camp in Cairo, Egypt, before moving to Fés, Morocco.
Who completed the Super Eagles squad in camp?
Victor Osimhen arrived last, completing the 28-man squad.
Who are Nigeria’s Group C opponents?
Nigeria will face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.