Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon to Miss Nigeria Vs Egypt
Nigeria will face seven-time African champions Egypt in Tuesday’s international friendly without, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon.
Both players, who were key figures for the Super Eagles at the last Africa Cup of Nations, were expected to join the team in Cairo. However, they will miss the friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium.
Osimhen and Simon are now set to link up with the squad later in Morocco, where Nigeria will complete the final stage of their preparations for AFCON 2025.
As of Monday afternoon, only 17 of the 28 invited players had arrived at Nigeria’s training camp in Cairo, with more expected before the evening session. All three goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie, are already in camp. Defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi are also present.
Midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro have joined the squad, while Paul Onuachu and Ademola Lookman are the main attacking options currently available.
For head coach Eric Sékou Chelle, the match against Egypt is a chance to test the depth of his squad rather than focus only on the result. With Osimhen and Simon absent, the coach is expected to try different combinations and give other players the opportunity to impress.
Egypt are also taking the friendly seriously. The Pharaohs are led by Liverpool star Mohamed Salah and are coached by former international Hossam Hassan. Their squad includes several experienced players from top clubs.
The match will help both teams fine-tune their preparations ahead of AFCON 2025. Nigeria will open their campaign against Tanzania before facing Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.
Nigeria will wrap up their Cairo camp on Thursday and then travel to Morocco for the tournament. Kick-off for Tuesday’s friendly is 8pm local time in Egypt and 7pm in Nigeria.
