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Nigeria and Egypt will use today’s international friendly at the Cairo Stadium as a key opportunity to assess new players ahead of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.
The encounter between three-time champions Nigeria and seven-time winners Egypt is expected to see both coaches experiment with their squads as they fine-tune preparations for the continental showpiece, which kicks off on Sunday.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sékou Chelle is likely to hand opportunities to several new and fringe players as he weighs his options for AFCON 2025. Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Usman Muhammed, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, as well as forwards Paul Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal, are among those who could feature as Nigeria tests its depth.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan is also expected to rotate his squad, blending experienced stars with emerging talents. While the Pharaohs will look to established players such as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah to provide leadership, the friendly offers Hassan a chance to assess other options within his team as he builds towards the tournament.
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Despite the experimental outlook, both teams are still expected to field strong line-ups. Chelle may rely on experienced Super Eagles including goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman to provide balance alongside the newcomers.
For Egypt, Hassan’s plans are expected to revolve around Salah, supported by players such as Omar Marmoush, Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mahmoud Trezeguet and Emam Ashour, even as younger or less-tested players are given a chance to impress.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00pm local time in Egypt (7:00pm in Nigeria). As of Monday afternoon, 17 of the 28 players named in Nigeria’s final squad had arrived in Cairo, with the rest expected before the evening training session.
