Nigeria step up their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a friendly encounter against Egypt later tonight.
Both sides head into the clash at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, hoping to determine their most suitable lineup and give opportunities to fringe players before their tournament opener.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle named a final 28-man squad for the tournament last week, headlined by the likes of talisman Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi.
However, several big names miss out of the team, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye excluded, as well as Werder Bremen’s Victor Boniface.
- Read this: Four Major Talking Points Ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Egypt
- Calvin Bassey backs Super Eagles for AFCON glory
Ahead of the crucial preparatory clash against the Pharaohs on Tuesday night, Sportpremi highlights five players to watch out for in this piece;
1. Paul Onuachu (Forward):
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu earned a recall to the squad after over a year absence from the national team.
The 31-year-old has three goals in 25 appearances for the Nigerian national team, but has been in scintillating form for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super League this season.
Onuachu will be eyeing playing minutes in the clash against Egypt and an opportunity to impress Eric Chelle ahead of the tournament.
Coincidentally, the forward netted his first goal for Nigeria against Egypt in a friendly in 2019 and offers a different attacking profile compared to Victor Osimhen.
2. Ryan Alebiosu (Defender):
Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu earned a first-ever call-up ahead of the AFCON tournament after recently acquiring his Nigerian passport.
The 23-year-old was brought into the team as a replacement for Ola Aina, who misses out with injury and his experience playing at the top level gives him an edge over the remaining players in the right-back position.
Alebiosu has been exceptional in the English championship this season and expect him to light up the scenes when he takes to the field against Egypt on Tuesday night.
3. Francis Uzoho (Goalkeeper):
One of the most surprising inclusions in the 28-man Nigerian squad for the AFCON tournament was Francis Uzoho, who returns to the team for the first time since 2024.
The 27-year-old was formerly first-choice but lost his spot after uninspiring displays in goal for the Super Eagles.
He returns to the team ahead of Maduka Okoye, who has been left out of the squad entirely despite impressive displays for Italian side Udinese.
Uzoho must take his chance against Egypt later tonight and prove an able deputy especially in the absence of current first-choice Stanley Nwabali.
4. Chidozie Awaziem (Center-back):
Perhaps the biggest winner of Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad for the African Cup of Nations tournament is defender Chidozie Awaziem, who is poised for a big role at the tournament.
The Nantes center-back has had his role reduced in recent years due to the emergence of other defensive options, but the absence of captain William Troost-Ekong who retired ahead of the tournament and young defender Benjamin Fredrick, who also misses out with a knee injury offers him a chance to reclaim a spot in the lineup.
5. Tochukwu Nnadi (Midfielder):
Another surprise inclusion in Nigeria’s final 28-man AFCON squad, Tochukwu Nnadi could be handed the chance to justify his call-up when the Super Eagles face Egypt later tonight.
The 22-year-old has never played for Nigeria at the senior level, but was part of the U-20 team at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
At just 22, he provides an option for the long-term and could learn from the more experienced midfield options at the AFCON tournament.
