Egypt 2-1 Nigeria: Awaziem strike for Super Eagles not enough as Pharaohs end nine-year wait

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were handed a narrow 2–1 defeat by Egypt on Tuesday evening as the Pharaohs claimed a long-awaited victory over their West African rivals in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chidozie Awaziem’s first-half equaliser briefly hauled Nigeria level after Mahmoud Saber had opened the scoring for Egypt, but a second-half strike from Mostafa Mohamed ensured the hosts ended a nine-year winless run against the three-time African champions.

The match was Nigeria’s only scheduled warm-up ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on Sunday in Morocco, offering head coach Eric Chelle a final opportunity to assess his squad under match conditions.

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Awaziem responds after Egypt punish defensive lapse

Despite having just two full training sessions together, Nigeria began the contest with confidence and composure, settling quicker than the hosts and dictating the early rhythm of play.

Chelle stuck with his preferred 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Stanley Nwabali shaking off an injury scare to start in goal. He was shielded by a back four of Zaidu Sanusi, Igoh Ogbu, Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earned his first Super Eagles cap in midfield, supported by the experience of Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Frank Onyeka, while Paul Onuachu led the line alongside Chidera Ejuke.

Nigeria’s midfield quartet enjoyed long spells of possession, with Osayi-Samuel’s pace repeatedly helping the Eagles escape pressure. Onuachu used his physical presence effectively to hold up play, while Ejuke showed flashes of trickery, though his final delivery lacked precision.

Egypt, however, began to expose Nigeria’s left flank. Zizo repeatedly found joy against Sanusi, and the pressure told in the 27th minute when Nigeria’s defence momentarily switched off.

Zizo reached the byline before cutting the ball back for Mahmoud Saber, who tapped into an empty net to give Egypt the lead.

Nigeria responded positively, increasing the tempo and pressing higher up the pitch. Their equaliser arrived deservedly when Sanusi’s low free-kick struck the post, and Awaziem reacted quickest to nod home from close range. It was the defender’s second international goal, and his first since scoring against Seychelles in 2018.

The teams went into the break level at 1–1.

Second-half changes disrupt Super Eagles as Egypt regain control

Chelle rang the changes at the interval, introducing Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, Bruno Onyemaechi, Cyriel Dessers and debutant Tochukwu Nnadi, while Semi Ajayi replaced goalscorer Awaziem.

The wholesale substitutions disrupted Nigeria’s rhythm, and Obasogie was forced into an early save moments after coming on.

The Tanzania-based goalie was beaten shortly afterwards when Egypt reclaimed the lead in the 52nd minute, as Mostafa Mohamed finished from close range amid strong Nigerian appeals for offside that were waved away by the referee.

Nigeria grew into the game again as Lookman began to demand possession and drive forward. Onuachu continued to dominate aerial duels, and the Super Eagles posed a threat from set pieces and long throw-ins.

Half-chances fell to Onuachu, Dessers and Dele-Bashiru, but Egypt held firm, managing the closing stages with composure to see out a rare victory over Nigeria  their first since 2016, after the Super Eagles had won the last two meetings.

Nigeria will remain in Cairo until Thursday before travelling to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations. Their tournament opener is against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23, with Chelle hopeful key players including Victor Osimhen, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi will be available.