Nigeria’s Super Eagles were narrowly beaten 2–1 by hosts Egypt in an entertaining pre-AFCON friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night, as both sides put the finishing touches to their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs, who had failed to win any of their previous five outings, produced a timely return to form, striking twice through Mahmoud Saber and Mostafa Mohamed to secure a morale-boosting victory over the three-time African champions.
Egypt took the lead in the 28th minute when Saber applied a composed finish following a well-worked move orchestrated by Zizo. Nigeria responded with growing authority as the half progressed and were rewarded deep into stoppage time. Centre-back Chidozie Awaziem rose highest from a set-piece situation, powering home a header after sustained pressure to restore parity at 1–1 heading into the interval.
The second half began at a brisk tempo, with Egypt regaining the advantage eight minutes after the restart. Mostafa Mohamed capitalised on another incisive delivery from Zizo, finding the net in the 53rd minute with a clinical finish that ultimately separated the two sides.
Nigeria pushed for a late equaliser, introducing fresh legs and committing more bodies forward, but Egypt’s defence held firm to see out the contest and record a confidence-boosting win.
With the friendly concluded, focus now turns fully to the AFCON campaign. The Nigerian squad is scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fés, Morocco, where final preparations will continue ahead of their group-stage opener.
The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON Group campaign against Tanzania next Tuesday, with a 6:30pm kick-off, as they seek to quickly put the Cairo setback behind them.
Match Details
Score: Egypt 2–1 Nigeria
Goals: Mahmoud Saber (Egypt) — 28’
Chidozie Awaziem (Nigeria) — 45+3’
Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt) — 53’
Assists:
Zizo (Egypt) — 28’, 53’
Zaidu Sanusi (Nigeria) — 45+3’
Venue: Cairo International Stadium
AFCON Group Opener:
Nigeria vs Tanzania — Next Tuesday, 6:30pm
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