Egypt edge Nigeria in pre-AFCON exhibition

In a final preparation friendly before leaving for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Egypt defeated Nigeria 2-1 in Cairo on Tuesday evening.

The star players on both teams were not in action as Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen unavailable, giving and opportunity for coaches of both teams to experiment some before competitive matches kick off. Mostafa Mohamed’s strike early in the second half was the difference as the Pharaohs came out on top at the Cairo International Stadium.

Without Osimhen, the Super Eagles looked a bit sluggish at the start of the match with Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Igoh Ogbu getting opportunities to impress. They were punished in the 28th minute when Al Ahly playmaker Zizo found space on the right wing and crossed low for Mahmoud Saber’s routine close range finish.

The West Africans did wake up after conceding. An improved effort saw the Super Eagles create a couple of chances and they were able to equalize in first half stoppage time.

After earning a free kick opportunity, left back Zaidu Sanusi struck a low curling effort on target. Experienced Pharaohs goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could only block the ball into the air and Nigeria defender Chidozie Awaziem arrived at the goal line to apply the finishing touch with his head.

After making five substitutions at halftime, the Super Eagles continued to suffer from a lack of fluidity and team chemistry. The hosts maintained the same group from the first half which contributed to the match winner by Mohamed in the 53rd minute.

Emam Ashour played a pass in behind the Nigerian defense to find the run of Mohamed, who made the right decision to not make a play on the ball due to being offsides. Zizo arrived to get on the end of the pass and made a cutback move, leaving the ball for Mohamed to finish from six yards out.

Egypt will begin play in Group B of the Africa Cup of Nations next Monday against Zimbabwe. Nigeria are in Group C and will begin against Tanzania next Tuesday.