AFCON 2025 prep: Onuachu speaks after Egypt loss — Why the Super Eagles aren’t worried

Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has dismissed concerns following Nigeria’s 2–1 friendly defeat to Egypt, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 31-year-old insists the Super Eagles remain confident as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Nigeria fell behind to Mahmoud Saber before Chidozie Awaziem pulled the Super Eagles level just before half-time. Egypt, however, reclaimed the lead early in the second half through Mostafa Mohamed to end a nine-year winless run against the West African side.

Egypt take the lead against Nigeria 2-1. pic.twitter.com/MLKmtjM6fG

— Leto Foot (@LetoFoot) December 16, 2025

“I felt good in the game” — Onuachu

Speaking after the match, the former Southampton forward stressed that confidence within the Super Eagles camp remains high.

“I felt good playing against them, especially knowing that I had scored against Egypt in the past,” Onuachu said. “I had a good feeling during the game, and you could see that in my performance.

“I played with a lot of confidence and focused on playing my game. Unfortunately, we lost and the goal didn’t come this time, but I still felt good on the pitch.”

“I think both the team and I had a good game,” he said.

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The friendly was Nigeria’s only scheduled warm-up ahead of AFCON 2025, with head coach Eric Chelle using the match to test new players and tactical options.

Soccernet verdict: Why the Super Eagles aren’t worried

Despite the defeat, there is little cause for alarm within the Super Eagles camp. The performance against Egypt showed Nigeria’s ability to create chances and integrate new players under a fresh tactical setup.

The focus remains on learning from the results and reinforcing confidence that the Super Eagles will be better prepared when it truly matters.

The Super Eagles currently have 27 players in camp, boosted by the arrival of Moses Simon, while Victor Osimhen is expected to join the squad as final preparations continue ahead of Nigeria’s tournament opener against Tanzania on December 23.