Nigeria’s Super Eagles were narrowly beaten 2–1 by Egypt on Tuesday night in an international friendly played at the Cairo International Stadium.
The hosts struck first in the opening half through Mahmoud Saber, taking advantage of a brief lapse in the Nigerian defence. The Super Eagles responded strongly and were rewarded before half-time when Chidozie Awaziem reacted fastest to turn the ball home after Zaidu Sanusi’s free-kick came back off the post.
Although the team had only a short time to prepare together, Nigeria began the match with confidence and enjoyed long periods on the ball. Head coach Eric Chelle deployed a 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Stanley Nwabali in goal and Paul Onuachu partnering Chidera Ejuke in attack. Young midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro made his first appearance for the national team.
Nigeria looked comfortable for much of the first half, but Egypt caused problems down the left flank. In the 27th minute, Zizo got behind the defence and pulled the ball back for Saber to score into an open net.
Chelle made several substitutions after the break, and the changes affected Nigeria’s flow. Egypt took the lead again in the 52nd minute when Mostafa Mohamed finished from close range, with Nigerian players appealing unsuccessfully for offside.
The Super Eagles pressed for another equaliser as the game wore on. Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru all went close, while Ademola Lookman brought more drive and urgency to the attack. Nigeria remained a threat from set pieces, but Egypt stayed organised to see out the win.
The victory was Egypt’s first over Nigeria in nine years.
Nigeria will remain in Cairo until Thursday before heading to Morocco for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they will begin their campaign against Tanzania on Tuesday, December 23.
