The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday in their sole preparatory game ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The clash is set for the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. It will provide coaches Eric Chelle and Hossam Hassan with valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of their respective teams heading into the AFCON.
Due to their players' commitments with European clubs, neither team is at full strength, meaning several key players may be unavailable.
Super Eagles' first training session in Egypt ahead of their friendly. #AFCON2025WithPooja pic.twitter.com/vjTo78HTwf
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) December 15, 2025
Nonetheless, among the available players, Soccernet.ng highlights five who are expected to be pivotal against Egypt.
Five Players for Nigeria's Super Eagles
1. Stanley Nwabali
Many eyes will be on Stanley Nwabali. His participation in the tournament was in doubt as of last week due to injury concerns, but he surprisingly made the final squad.
Fans will be eager to see how sharp the 29-year-old goalkeeper is. Egypt will definitely have some good looks at goal, but as Nigeria's designated safe pair of hands, Nwabali will be expected to deliver whenever called upon.
2. Paul Onuachu
The Trabzonspor star was the only top striker present at the team’s training session on Monday, making him likely to start.
This is an important match for Paul Onuachu to prove his quality to coach Eric Chelle. The Super Eagles striker has been in excellent form for his club this season, netting 11 goals and providing one assist in 15 appearances.
Onuachu is big, strong, and technically capable with his feet, giving him the potential to be a difference-maker on Tuesday.
3. Calvin Bassey
With Benjamin Fredrick sidelined by injury, Calvin Bassey is arguably the most reliable center-back in the Super Eagles squad.
Ruthless and solid in defense, he is expected to lead the back line against Egypt. Bassey's performance will be crucial if the Super Eagles are to mount a meaningful resistance to Egypt's attack.
In fact, without the Fulham star, it is difficult to see Nigeria going far at the AFCON 2025.
4. Ademola Lookman
The Atalanta star is another player expected to deliver in the final third for Nigeria. Ademola Lookman is currently in fine form, as he has contributing goals and assists more consistently in recent weeks.
His speed, trickery, and decisive play will be key for the Super Eagles' offense. Lookman is no stranger to football on the continent, and a lot of the attacking burden will be resting on his shoulders.
5. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
The Lazio star had been sidelined with an injury since the end of September, which kept him out of previous Super Eagles games.
However, he is anticipated to have a big impact at the AFCON, and the Egypt friendly is a perfect starting point.
With limited slots in midfield, Dele-Bashiru will be looking to prove his worth to Chelle. The Lazio man is a very direct player who can also score and has a great work rate.
His qualities will certainly be useful for Chelle, and his potential to score an odd goal could make the difference.
