Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations preparations officially gathered pace in Cairo on Sunday as Ademola Lookman headlined a fresh wave of arrivals at the Super Eagles’ training camp ahead of AFCON 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Atalanta forward, one of Nigeria’s most important attacking figures, landed in camp barely 24 hours after head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff opened proceedings in Egypt. His arrival took the number of players in camp to 11, an encouraging early response as Nigeria begin their final stretch of preparations.
Lookman comes straight from club duty in Italy, having played a key role in Atalanta’s 2–1 league victory over Cagliari at the weekend, a result that ended a difficult run of league form for Raffaele Palladino’s side. His presence is expected to inject leadership and attacking sharpness into Chelle’s early sessions.
Portugal-based left-back Zaidu Sanusi has also reported for national duty after Porto released him earlier than expected. The Portuguese club had reportedly requested to retain Sanusi until December 18 for a domestic cup fixture against Famalicão, but the Nigeria Football Federation declined the request, prioritising early camp cohesion. Porto subsequently sanctioned his departure even before their scheduled league outing tonight.
Midfield reinforcement arrived in the shape of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, fresh from helping nine-man Lazio claim an impressive victory over Parma. He travelled to Cairo alongside Pisa youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who is responding to his first ever Super Eagles call-up. For Akinsanmiro, the AFCON camp represents a significant career milestone, and a chance to stake a long-term claim.
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Super Eagles camp: Goalkeepers settled and focus shifts to Egypt friendly
Nigeria’s goalkeeping department is already complete, with all three invited shot-stoppers now present in camp.
Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie joined Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali, who were the earliest arrivals over the weekend, giving Chelle the luxury of early stability in a key position.
Another debutant, Tochukwu Nnadi of Belgian side Zulte Waregem, has also checked in. His inclusion, in place of the more established Alhassan Yusuf, shows Chelle’s willingness to reward form and broaden competition. Slavia Prague defender Igho Ogbu has likewise arrived, preparing for his first major international tournament with Nigeria.
Defensive options were further boosted by the arrival of Birmingham City full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and Hull City centre-half Semi Ajayi, both of whom add experience and versatility.
Twelve more players are expected to join the camp on Monday, including Turkey-based stars Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi, with the final five arrivals scheduled for Tuesday. Chelle has named a 28-man final squad made up of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders and nine forwards.
The Super Eagles will hold their first full training session at 8pm local time inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium, where Chelle hopes to work with a near-complete squad. Nigeria’s preparations will begin in earnest with a friendly match against Egypt on Tuesday at the same venue.
Chelle has been tasked with matching, or bettering, Nigeria’s impressive run at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles reached the final before falling to the hosts. The journey begins now, and Cairo is where the foundation is being laid.
Super Eagles stars in camp
- Francis Uzoho
- Stanley Nwabali
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
- Akinsanmiro Ebenezer
- Amas Obasogie
- Semi Ajayi
- Ademola Lookman
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Igho Ogbu
- Tochukwu Nnadi
- Zaidu Sanusi
