Egypt beat Nigeria 2-1 in pre-AFCON friendly

Egypt beat Nigeria 2–1 in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday as both sides completed their final preparations for the tournament, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The hosts took the lead in the 28th minute through Ahmed Saber after neat work down the right by Zizo, whose low cross found the midfielder unmarked for a close-range finish. Nigeria responded with increased urgency and went close before the break, Paul Onuachu forcing a fine save from Mohamed El-Shenawy with a glancing header from Frank Onyeka’s long throw.

The Super Eagles were rewarded in first-half stoppage time when Chidozie Awaziem equalised. Zaidu Sanusi’s delayed free-kick from the right caused confusion between El-Shenawy and his near post, allowing Awaziem to nod into an empty net to draw Nigeria level at the interval.

Egypt restored their advantage eight minutes after the restart as Mostafa Mohamed capitalised on a poorly coordinated Nigerian offside trap, continuing his run before rifling past Amas Obasogie.

Nigeria introduced greater energy as the game wore on but were unable to find a second equaliser against an organised Egyptian defence, with the hosts seeing out the contest to claim the win.

The match marked an unofficial debut for midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Obasogie, while Nwabali started despite concerns over wrist and ankle soreness. Frank Onyeka was handed a rare start in midfield, and Onuachu led the line with Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon among those yet to arrive in camp.

Nigeria will move to Morocco on Thursday as they turn full attention to the tournament proper. They have been drawn in Group C of AFCON 2025 alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, with their opening match against Tanzania scheduled for December 23 in Fez.

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