The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo received a major boost on Wednesday night with the arrival of Victor Osimhen, as Nigeria intensified preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Osimhen arrived at about 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time, completing the list of 28 invited players ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18, 2026.
Confirming the development, Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, described Osimhen’s arrival as a significant morale lift for the squad.
“Victor Osimhen joined the camp late Wednesday night, which means all invited players are now present,” Efoghe said.
“It is a big boost because the entire team is now focused on the same objective as final preparations begin.”
The Super Eagles opened camp on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with coaches and backroom staff already in place.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time, setting an early tone of commitment ahead of AFCON.
Since opening camp, the team has held two training sessions and also played an international friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.
Osimhen, alongside Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, missed the friendly as they wrapped up club commitments. Nigeria lost the encounter 2–1, but the technical crew insisted the result was not a concern.
“The friendly was mainly for assessment and fine-tuning,” Efoghe explained.
“The focus was on fitness, combinations and tactical understanding, not the scoreline.”
Reacting to the game, defender Chidozie Awaziem said the match highlighted areas that needed improvement, while striker Paul Onuachu noted that the intensity would help the team adjust quickly.
“These games help us correct mistakes early,” Awaziem said.
“It is better to learn now than during the tournament.”
Onuachu added that the squad remained united and motivated despite the defeat.
The team’s Wednesday programme included a morning gym session and an evening training session as preparations intensified.
The Super Eagles are expected to depart Cairo on Thursday for Fés, where they will play their Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Efoghe said the atmosphere in camp remained positive, stressing that the players understood the expectations of Nigerians.
“There is a strong sense of responsibility,” he said.
“The players are determined to give their best in Morocco.”
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted across several cities in Morocco, with Nigeria aiming to mount a strong title challenge following recent continental campaigns.
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