The Nigeria Football Federation has officially outlined the immediate plans for the Super Eagles as the team transitions from their preparatory camp in Egypt to the host nation of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco. This follows a 2-1 defeat in a friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday, December 16.
From Cairo to Fes: Eagles Set for Final AFCON Preparations
After concluding their activities in Egypt, the entire 28-man squad and technical crew are scheduled to fly out to Fes, Morocco, on Thursday, December 18. The travel will be via a chartered flight, marking the beginning of their full and final preparations for the tournament's group stage.
The team's final sessions in Cairo included a gym and recovery session on the morning of Wednesday, December 17, followed by a pitch training session later that evening under head coach Eric Chelle and his staff.
A significant boost for the team is the arrival of star striker Victor Osimhen in camp. He, alongside Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, were the last players to join the team. While initially expected to link up with the squad directly in Morocco, Osimhen and Simon arrived in Egypt on Wednesday, ensuring the entire contingent travels together.
Recap of Egypt Friendly and Group Stage Schedule
The preparatory match in Cairo saw Egypt take the lead in the 27th minute through Mahmoud Saber. Nigeria's Chidozie Awaziem equalized before halftime. However, the Pharaohs secured the win in the 53rd minute of the second half with a goal from Mostafa Mohamed, despite controversy over a potential offside position.
In Morocco, the Super Eagles will face a challenging Group C schedule. Their campaign kicks off against Tanzania on December 23, followed by a clash with Tunisia on December 27, and concludes with a match against Uganda on December 30. All group stage matches will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.
Potential Tournament Path for the Super Eagles
The Nigeria Football Federation and fans have high expectations for the team, especially after their runner-up finish at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire. The tournament path for the Super Eagles in Morocco is clearly mapped out.
If the team finishes as the winner of Group C, they will remain in Fes for the Round of 16. Progress would then see them move to Marrakech for the quarter-final and finally to Rabat for the semi-final and the ultimate prize, the final.
However, a second-place finish in the group would alter the route. The team would then play their Round of 16 match in Casablanca, with potential quarter-final and semi-final games in Tangier, before a possible final in Rabat.
The grand finale of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled for January 18, 2026, at the 68,000-capacity Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, where the Super Eagles will hope to be contenders for the trophy.
