Egypt secured a narrow 2-1 win over the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday night in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night, December 16.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Ahmed Saber finished calmly from close range. The move stemmed from slick work on the right by Zizo, whose low cross picked out Saber arriving unmarked.
The Super Eagles responded with greater intent as half-time approached and went close to drawing level through Paul Onuachu. The striker met a long throw from Frank Onyeka with a well-placed header, only for Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy to produce a sharp save.
Pressure eventually told in first-half stoppage time. A delayed free-kick from the right by Zaidu Sanusi caused confusion inside the Egyptian area, and Chidozie Awaziem reacted quickest to nod into an empty net and restore parity.
Egypt reclaimed the lead shortly after the restart. Mostafa Mohamed read the situation well as Nigeria’s offside line failed to hold, racing through before drilling his finish beyond Amas Obasogie.
The Super Eagles injected fresh energy as the match wore on and enjoyed spells of possession. Still, a disciplined Egyptian defence limited clear chances, allowing the hosts to secure a win.
The game doubled as a useful dress rehearsal for the Super Eagles. Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Obasogie both made unofficial debuts, while Stanley Nwabali started despite recent concerns over wrist and ankle soreness.
Onyeka was handed a rare start in midfield, and Onuachu led the line, with key figures such as Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon yet to report for duty.
Nigeria will travel to Morocco on Thursday as preparations intensify for the 2025 AFCON. The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, and will begin their campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fez.
