The Super Eagles camp in Cairo has expanded to 24 players with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, new call-up Salim Fago, and Chidozie Awaziem ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly against Egypt.

Earlier arrivals included Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who joined teammates at the Renaissance Hotel. Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu, and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi also reinforced the squad.

They linked up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who had reported on Sunday.

Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe told NAN that 20 players participated in Monday’s first training session, which he described as “smooth and energetic,” reflecting good commitment from the squad at this stage of preparations.

Efoghe added that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu joined shortly after training, increasing the squad to 22 players, with six more expected.

As part of preparations, the Super Eagles will face Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday. The friendly will allow the coaching staff to assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON 2025 finals in Morocco.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday to continue final preparations. Their Group C fixtures in Morocco begin on Dec. 23 against Tanzania, followed by matches against Tunisia (Dec. 27) and Uganda (Dec. 30) at the Complexe Sportif de Féz.

Egypt, the only nation to win AFCON three consecutive times, will compete in Group B against South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe in Agadir.