Super Eagles, Pharaohs Set for AFCON Dress Rehearsal

The Cairo International Stadium is set to host a high-stakes encounter tonight as Nigeria’s Super Eagles face off against the Pharaohs of Egypt in a final pre-tournament friendly. Both sides are utilizing this marquee fixture to fine-tune their strategies and assess squad depth just days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco on December 21.

This evening’s clash represents more than a mere warm-up; it is a battle between two of the continent’s most decorated footballing nations and primary favorites for the upcoming title. For Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, the match serves as a critical tactical laboratory. Appointed earlier this year, Chelle is under pressure to mold a star-studded squad—headlined by reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman—into a cohesive unit capable of securing Nigeria’s fourth continental crown.

The Super Eagles’ preparations in Cairo have seen a steady influx of players following a directive from FIFA that allowed European clubs to retain African stars until December 15. This logistical shift forced the rescheduling of the friendly from its original Sunday date to this Tuesday. Despite the late arrivals, the atmosphere in camp remains buoyant, with key figures like Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Stanley Nwabali already integrated into the training sessions.

On the other side, Egypt’s legendary coach Hossam Hassan is looking to harness home advantage and the immense talent of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah to signal the Pharaohs’ readiness. Egypt enters the tournament in Group B alongside South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, while Nigeria headlines Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Kick-off for this international showdown is scheduled for 7:00 PM West African Time (8:00 PM local time in Cairo). While broadcast rights for such friendlies are frequently finalized in the eleventh hour, fans in Nigeria are encouraged to monitor official Super Eagles social media handles and local sports networks for live streaming updates. For many, this match will provide the first real glimpse of the “Chelle era” in a competitive environment, offering an early indicator of whether the Super Eagles are truly ready to soar in Morocco.