- Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his starting lineup to face Egypt in the pre-AFCON friendly match
- Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali shook off injury concerns and started, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro also played from the start
- Chelle could name an entirely different side for the second half after both countries suspended the international status
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his official starting 11 for the pre-AFCON friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.
The two sides kickstart their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a match in the North African country, six days before the tournament.
Source: Getty Images
As noted by the NFF, the match was initially scheduled to be played on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the same venue, but was postponed due to a FIFA regulation.
FIFA confirmed that clubs can hold on to their players until December 15, forcing a change of date and the suspension of the international status of the match.
Both countries agreed to have the match as a preparation match, in which there will be an unlimited number of substitutions after the postponement.
Chelle names starting 11 vs Egypt
As seen on Super Eagles‘ official X account, Chelle confirmed his starting 11 for the match against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Cairo.
Stanley Nwabali shook off his injury concerns to start in goal, while new invitee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was trusted to start in his first match for the Nigerian national team.
Veteran defender Chidozie Awaziem captains the side as the most senior player on the pitch and partners Igoh Ogbu in the heart of the defence, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi play as fullbacks.
Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru start in midfield with Akinsanmiro completing the quartet, while Chidera Ejuke and Paul Onuachu lead the attack.
Full XI: Stanley Nwabali – Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chidozie Awaziem, Igoh Ogbu, Zaidu Sanusi – Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – Chidera Ejuke, Paul Onuachu.
Substitutes: Francis Uzoho, Amas Obasogie, Wilfred Ndidi, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Cyriel Dessers, Bruno Onyemaechi, Muhammad Usman, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Akor Adams, Salim Lawal Fago, Ryan Alebiosu, Tochukwu Nnadi.
Source: Getty Images
Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon are the only three invited players for AFCON 2025 who would not be involved in this match.
All three are yet to report to camp more than three days after their last matches for their clubs, Galatasaray in Turkey, Paris FC in France and Fulham in England.
Score Nigeria earlier reported that Osimhen and Simon will join the team directly in Morocco, while Chukwueze’s absence remains unexplained, particularly after the resumption of his club teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey.
Eric Chelle picks new captain
Legit.ng reported that Eric Chelle selected the new Super Eagles captains ahead of AFCON 2025 after William Troost-Ekong’s retirement.
Experienced midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will lead Nigeria to Morocco, and he will be supported by Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen.
Source: Legit.ng
