The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo became fully populated on Wednesday night with the arrival of star striker 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 (10:45 p.m. local time), completing the list of 28 invited players for the continental showpiece scheduled to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

Confirming the development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Super Eagles’ Media Officer, Mr. Promise Efoghe, described Osimhen’s arrival as a significant morale boost for the squad.

“Victor Osimhen joined the camp late on Wednesday night, and that means we now have all invited players in camp,” Mr. Efoghe said.

“It is a big lift for the squad because everyone is now focused on the same objective as final preparations begin in earnest.”

The Super Eagles opened camp on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, Egypt, with all coaches and backroom staff present.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, and setting the tone for early commitment ahead of the tournament.

Since then, the team has held two training sessions, the first on Monday and the second on Tuesday, before taking on Egypt in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.

Osimhen, along with wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, was conspicuously absent from the friendly as they concluded outstanding club commitments ahead of the tournament.

Nigeria lost the encounter 2–1 to the hosts, but Mr. Efoghe stressed that the result would not distract the players from the broader objectives of the camp.

“The friendly against Egypt was purely for assessment and fine-tuning,” he said.

“The coaches were more interested in combinations, fitness levels, and tactical understanding than the scoreline.”

Reacting to the defeat, defender Mr. Chidozie Awaziem and striker Mr. Paul Onuachu expressed confidence that the team would be sharper when it matters.

Mr. Awaziem said the match exposed areas that required attention, while Mr. Onuachu noted that the intensity of the encounter would help the players adjust quickly ahead of the AFCON opener.

“These games will help us to correct mistakes early,” Mr. Awaziem was quoted as saying.
“It is better to learn now than during the tournament.”

Mr. Onuachu added that the squad remained united and motivated despite the loss.

“We are not discouraged,” he said.
“The focus is on improving every day and being ready for our first group game.”

Wednesday’s programme featured a gym session at 11 a.m. and an evening training session at 5 p.m., as preparations gathered momentum.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday for Fés, where they will prosecute their Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Egypt, meanwhile, will move to Agadir for their Group B fixtures.

Mr. Efoghe said the mood in camp remained upbeat, noting that the players were fully aware of expectations back home.

“There is a strong sense of responsibility in camp,” he said.
“The players know what Nigerians expect, and they are determined to give their best in Morocco.”

The 2025 AFCON will be staged across several cities in Morocco, with Nigeria aiming to improve on recent continental outings and mount a strong challenge for the title.

Full List: Super Eagles’ 28 AFCON Invitees in Camp (Order of Arrival)

The following is the full list of the 28 Super Eagles players invited for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, arranged strictly in the order of their arrival at camp:

1. Francis Uzoho

2. Stanley Nwabali

3. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

4. Akinsanmiro Ebenezer

5. Amas Obasogie

6. Semi Ajayi

7. Ademola Lookman

8. Bright Osayi-Samuel

9. Igho Ogbu

10. Tochukwu Nnadi

11. Zaidu Sanusi

12. Paul Onuachu

13. Frank Onyeka

14. Calvin Bassey

15. Alex Iwobi

16. Wilfred Ndidi

17. Bruno Onyemaechi

18. Cyril Dessers

19. Akor Adams

20. Chidera Ejuke

21. Raphael Onyedika

22. Ryan Alebiosu

23. Salim Fago

24. Chidozie Awaziem

25. Usman Mohammed

26. Samuel Chukwueze

27. Moses Simon

28. Victor Osimhen

All 28 players are now in camp as the Super Eagles step up preparations for their Group C fixtures at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.