Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2025 Build-Up With Uzoho, Nwabali’s Arrival In Cairo

Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2025 Build-Up With Uzoho, Nwabali’s Arrival In Cairo 

By Our Reporter 

Super Eagles first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has arrived at Nigeria’s training camp in Cairo, joining Francis Uzoho as preparations intensify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the team’s camp officially opened on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with members of the technical crew and backroom staff already in place. Uzoho, who arrived shortly after 2 a.m. on Sunday, was the first player to report to camp, setting the tone for the team’s build-up to the tournament.

Nwabali’s arrival provides a significant boost as players begin to assemble from their respective clubs ahead of Nigeria’s final preparations.

The 29-year-old Chippa United goalkeeper had been a subject of fitness concerns in recent weeks after managing ankle and hand issues, prompting speculation over his readiness for the tournament. However, his inclusion in head coach Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad and his prompt arrival in camp underscores the coaching staff’s confidence in his recovery and importance.

Nwabali has been Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper since the 2023 AFCON, where he played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ run to the final, which ended in a 2–1 defeat to host nation Côte d’Ivoire. He has since cemented his status as a regular in the national team, earning 27 international caps.

With both Nwabali and Uzoho now present, Nigeria’s goalkeeping department is beginning to take shape. Amas Obasogie, the third goalkeeper named in the squad, is expected to join the camp in the coming days.

Uzoho, who plays club football with Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, brings considerable international experience, having represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments. His early arrival, followed by Nwabali’s, has set a professional and focused tone in the camp.

The Cairo camp will also serve as preparation for a practice match against Egypt scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, at the Cairo Stadium. Originally planned as an international friendly, the match was reclassified due to FIFA regulations on player release and will allow unlimited substitutions.

Following the game, the Super Eagles will travel by chartered flight to Fès, Morocco, where they will be based for the group stage of the tournament.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, with all group fixtures set to be played in Fès.

As more players continue to arrive in Cairo, the early presence of both Nwabali and Uzoho signals a purposeful start to Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign — one that will now be judged by performances on the pitch.