AFCON 2025: Uzoho First to Report as Super Eagles Open Cairo Camp

Nigeria’s build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations officially began in the early hours of Sunday as goalkeeper Francis Uzoho became the first Super Eagles player to arrive at camp in Cairo, Egypt.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the team’s camp opened on Sunday, 14 December, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with members of the coaching crew and backroom staff already on ground.

Uzoho, who plays for Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, arrived shortly after 2 a.m. local time, setting the tone for Nigeria’s final preparations ahead of the tournament in Morocco.

The 27-year-old’s early arrival has been seen as a strong statement of commitment, coming after his limited involvement at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire. He was named in Nigeria’s provisional squad and retained his place in head coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s final 28-man list, despite stiff competition among the goalkeepers.

Nigeria will head into AFCON 2025 with Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie and Uzoho as their three goalkeeping options. While Nwabali is widely regarded as the first-choice goalkeeper, Uzoho offers valuable tournament experience, having played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and two previous AFCON competitions.

Uzoho’s recent club performances have further strengthened his case. Last Thursday, he produced an outstanding display for Omonia Nicosia, making six key saves and keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win over Rapid Wien in the UEFA Europa Conference League, a performance that earned him the Man of the Match award.

The Cairo camp marks the final phase of Nigeria’s preparations before the tournament kicks off later this month in Morocco. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face seven-time African champions Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday, 16 December, at the Cairo Stadium. The fixture was delayed to comply with FIFA regulations allowing clubs to retain players until 15 December.

Following the friendly, the team will travel by chartered flight to Fès, Morocco, where they will be based for the group stage of the competition.

AFCON 2025 carries added importance for Nigeria after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a setback that triggered widespread criticism and renewed scrutiny of the national team. With World Cup qualification no longer possible, the AFCON represents a key opportunity for Nigeria to restore confidence and reconnect with supporters.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to welcome the rest of the squad in the coming days as players conclude their club commitments across Europe.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, with all group matches scheduled to take place in Fès. The Super Eagles will open their campaign against Tanzania on 23 December, face Tunisia on 27 December, and conclude the group stage against Uganda on 30 December.

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