The Pharaohs of Egypt edged the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in an international friendly played at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday night.
Both sides wrapped up preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco, which kick off on Sunday, December 21.
The victory provided a significant confidence boost for the record African champions ahead of the tournament.
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In a lively warm-up encounter, Egypt took a deserved lead just before the half-hour mark through Mahmoud Saber.
The ZED striker was set up by the impressive Ahmed Sayed “Zizo”, who tormented the Nigerian defence throughout, tapping in at the back post.
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Nigeria struggled for attacking cohesion and were fortunate not to concede again when Paul Onuachu’s long ball was almost headed into his own net by Yasser Ibrahim, with only a fine save from goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy preventing an embarrassing own goal.
The Super Eagles drew level following a set-piece mishap by the Egyptian goalkeeper. Zaidu Sanusi delivered a free-kick from the left straight at El Shenawy’s near post, which the keeper fumbled, allowing the ball to roll under his body for Chidozie Awaziem to nod home from close range.
Three-time AFCON winners Nigeria will depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to Fés, where they will contest Group C matches against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda.
Egypt, meanwhile, head to Agadir for Group B fixtures against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
The Pharaohs open their AFCON campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, with the Super Eagles facing Tanzania the following day.
