Awaziem scores as Eagles lose to Egypt in pre-AFCON tune-up game

The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-1 to Egypt in their tune-up game ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Chidozie Awaziem, the team’s captain for the game, scored Nigeria’s lone goal against the home team at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Eagles have had only two training sessions since camp opened on Sunday, and Eric Chelle opted for a squad rotation, handing minutes to fringe players.

Ebenezer Akinsanmiro got his debut for the Eagles while Igoh Ogbu paired Awaziem at the back.

Paul Onuachu started up front on his return to the team after a long absence, with Chidera Ejuke, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Raphael Onyedika in midfield.

Only Stanley Nwabali, Zaidu Sanusi, Frank Onyeka and Bright Osayi-Samuel are the consistent Eagles players in the line-up.

Nigeria’s pastiche setup and minimal training together were evident from the outset, and the Egyptians took advantage within the first 30 minutes.

Zaidu was beaten by a through pass to Zizo down the channel, and the entire Eagles’ defence was sliced open by a low cross. Mahmoud Saber was free to tap the cross into an empty net with Nwabali beaten.

The Eagles pulled one back out of nowhere on the stroke of halftime. Zaidu’s shot was fumbled by Mohamed El Shenawy, and Awaziem was the quickest to react to the mistake and head the ball home.

A flurry of halftime changes by Chelle failed to address the team’s creativity and tempo issues. Soon, the Nigerian defence was caught napping once again, and the Egyptians regained the lead.

Mostafa Mohamed evaded an offside call before getting back on the ball to smack it into the net.

The loss is the Eagles’ last match before leaving for their base in Fès, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 AFCON, which begins on December 21.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group C, where Eric Chelle’s side will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament begins on December 21, and the Eagles will play their first match on December 23 against Tanzania.