GOALKEEPERS Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali were the first batch of players to arrive at the Super Eagles’ camp for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Uzoho, a returnee to the Nigerian team after months of absence, was the first to touch down at the Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday morning.
The Omonia of Cyprus man, who was a surprise inclusion in the 28-man roster for the continental showpiece, joins Nwabali as the team’s camp opened on Sunday.
A video on the Super Eagles’ official X handle showed Chippa United’s Nwabali alighting from a bus and checking into Nigeria’s hotel.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, arrived later in the day, while Igoh Ogbu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tochukwu Nnadi, Amas Obasogie, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi will come before the end of Sunday.
With Nwabali still recovering from injuries, Uzoho will fancy his chances of usurping the Chippa United goalkeeper as Nigeria’s first choice.
Amas Obasogie of Singida Blackstars in Tanzania completes the trio of Nigerian goalkeepers for the competition.
More players are expected to arrive at Nigeria’s camp in the coming days after this weekend’s actions, especially in Europe.
The Super Eagles will take on Egypt in a practice match on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Cairo Stadium.
After the match, the Coach Eric Chelle-tutored side will fly to Fes in Morocco, their base for the group stage of the tournament.
Nigeria are in Group C alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. They begin their campaign in the competition against the Taifa Stars on December, 23.
After that, the team will take on Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles on the 27th before battling the Cranes of Uganda three days later.
The 2025 AFCON comes with added pressure for the Super Eagles following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the second time in a row Nigeria will be missing out on the competition.
Nigeria were runners up at the 2023 AFCON, losing out to hosts Cote d’Ivoire in a keenly-contested final.