The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo has risen to 22 players following the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender, Mr. Ryan Alebiosu, ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly against Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atalanta winger, Mr. Ademola Lookman, alongside defenders, Mr. Semi Ajayi and Mr. Bright Osayi-Samuel, reported to camp earlier on Monday at the Renaissance Hotel, joining a steadily growing squad.

Goalkeeper, Mr. Amas Obasogie; defender, Mr. Igoh Ogbu; and midfielder, Mr. Tochukwu Nnadi, were also among the latest arrivals.

They linked up with early arrivals, including Mr. Francis Uzoho, Mr. Stanley Nwabali, Mr. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Mr. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who checked in on Sunday.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Mr. Promise Efoghe, told NAN that 20 players participated in the team’s first training session on Monday evening.

“Training went smoothly, and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Mr. Efoghe said.

He added that Club Brugge midfielder, Mr. Raphael Onyedika, and Mr. Alebiosu arrived shortly after the training session, raising the number of players in camp to 22, with six more expected.

As part of preparations, the Super Eagles will face the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.

“The friendly will help the technical crew assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge,” Mr. Efoghe said.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will take on seven-time winners Egypt at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) as both teams build up to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to hold in Morocco.

Mr. Efoghe confirmed that the team will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue final preparations.

Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title, following previous triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, begins on Dec. 23 against Tanzania under the theme, “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”

The Super Eagles will also face Tunisia on Dec. 27 and Uganda on Dec. 30 in Group C, with all matches slated for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.

Egypt, the only nation to have won AFCON three consecutive times, will compete in Group B against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe, with matches scheduled to take place in Agadir.