Nigeria will face seven-time African champions Egypt in Tuesday’s international friendly without two of their biggest attacking stars, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles pair, both key figures in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nation campaign last year, are being expected to join the team in Cairo.
However, a new report has ruled them out of the high-profile warm-up match at the Cairo International Stadium.
Instead, they are set to link up with the squad later in Morocco, where Nigeria will base the final phase of their AFCON preparations.
The absence of Osimhen and Simon comes as Nigeria continue to build towards the tournament, which kicks off this weekend in Morocco.
According to a report by ScoreNigeria, both players will bypass the Cairo camp entirely and wait for the team’s relocation to Morocco later in the week.
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Egypt vs Nigeria: Super Eagles camp update
As of Monday afternoon, only 17 of the 28 players invited to Nigeria’s final AFCON squad had reported to camp in Cairo, though more arrivals were expected before the evening training session.
Among those already in camp are all three goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie, alongside defenders Zaidu Sanusi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi. Midfield options such as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro are also present, while Paul Onuachu and Ademola Lookman lead the attacking contingent available for selection.
For head coach Eric Sékou Chelle, the Egypt friendly offers an opportunity to assess depth and adaptability rather than simply results. With Osimhen and Simon unavailable, Chelle is expected to experiment with personnel and combinations, particularly among players pushing for late roles in the tournament squad.
The likes of Obasogie in goal, midfielders Usman Muhammed and Nnadi, and forwards Onuachu and Salim Fago Lawal could all feature as Nigeria test new ideas against elite opposition.
Egypt’s Salah-led challenge and AFCON context
Egypt, meanwhile, will approach the fixture with equal seriousness.
Managed by AFCON legend Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs boast a squad rich in experience and pedigree, led by Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who continues his pursuit of a first Africa Cup of Nations title.
Hassan, who scored seven goals as Egypt won the 1998 tournament, has a strong group at his disposal, including Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Al Ahly stalwarts Mohamed El-Shenawy, Mohamed Hany and Yasser Ibrahim, as well as Mahmoud Trezeguet and Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed.
The friendly is designed to sharpen both sides ahead of demanding group-stage campaigns. Nigeria will open their AFCON journey against Tanzania on Tuesday, 23 December, before facing Tunisia and Uganda in Group C, with all their matches scheduled for the Complexe Sportif de Fés.
Egypt, the only nation to win three AFCON titles in a row, will contest Group B against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe, with matches staged in Agadir.
Nigeria will close their Cairo camp on Thursday before flying to Fés on a chartered flight, carrying with them renewed belief as they chase a fourth continental crown.
Kick-off on Tuesday is set for 8pm local time in Egypt (7pm Nigeria time).
