Egypt Defeat Nigeria In Pre-AFCON Friendly
The Pharaohs of Egypt defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in an international friendly match played at the Cairo Stadium on Tuesday, as both teams intensified their preparations for the 2025 Nations Cup in Morocco.
Nigeria started with an unusual 3-5-2 formation, for the first time under Coach Eric Chelle, but they maintained balance and dominated possession in the first quarter-hour, before the hosts found their way back into the game to take the lead through Mahmoud Sabre in the 28th minute.
Nigeria kept their shape despite the setback and threatened the Pharaohs’ defence with a combination of long balls and quick movements through the middle.
The Eagles were dangerous from dead-ball situations and in added time, defender Zaidu Sanusi swung one into the box that was guided into the net by Chidozie Awaziem for the equalizer.
In the second half, the Eagles reverted to 4-4-2 formation with the introduction of Amas Obasogie in goal, as well as Ademola Lookman, Cyril Dessers, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Tochukwu Nnadi.
Mostafa Mohammed increased Egypt’s lead seven minutes after the break.
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Eric Chelle was shown a yellow card for protesting after the referee waved away Nigeria’s penalty shout.
The Super Eagles will fly to Fés on Thursday aboard a chartered flight for their Group C encounters against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda (in that order), while the Pharaohs head to Agadir for Group B games against South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe.
