The Super Eagles of Nigeria are poised to face the Pharaohs of Egypt tomorrow evening, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Cairo International Stadium. This eagerly anticipated encounter serves as a crucial pre-AFCON 2025 friendly for both nations, allowing them to measure their performance and fine-tune their squads before the tournament kicks off on Sunday. Fans across Nigeria and Africa are keenly awaiting this clash between two of the continent’s football powerhouses.

Egypt enters the match in questionable form, currently four places above the Super Eagles in the FIFA rankings but without a win in their last five games, recording two losses and three draws. Conversely, Eric Chelle's Nigerian side has secured three victories from their last five outings, though the recent World Cup play-off memories against DR Congo still linger.

Preparations for the Nigerian squad are underway, with twelve players having already arrived in camp. An additional eleven players are expected to join the team before the end of today, with the first training session scheduled for this evening. Soccernet.ng has predicted the Super Eagles' starting lineup based on the available players.

In goal, Francis Uzoho is the likeliest candidate to secure the starting spot against the Pharaohs. This comes as Stanley Nwabali's place is in question due to wrist and ankle problems, while Amas Obasogie is yet to debut for the Super Eagles.

Defensively, William Troost-Ekong has retired after a decade with Nigeria, and his potential heir, Benjamin Frederick, is sidelined with injury. Semi Ajayi has already arrived in camp and is expected to start, most likely alongside Calvin Bassey, who is currently en route. Regulars Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi are also on ground and are set to start.

In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi is slated to captain the Super Eagles in Morocco, but his athleticism has been noted to have diminished compared to three years ago. Brentford's Frank Onyeka, known for his energy, is expected to start, giving him crucial minutes ahead of AFCON 2025. Pisa's Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, a 21-year-old maiden call-up, offers a unique dynamic to the squad, and the friendly against Egypt provides Eric Chelle with a prime opportunity to assess his capabilities. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is expected to complete the midfield trio, having already joined the camp.

Upfront, Nigeria's struggles without Victor Osimhen against DR Congo highlight the importance of depth. With Paul Onuachu already in camp and in good form, it makes sense for Chelle to try him out as a potential option should anything happen to the Galatasaray striker during the AFCON tournament. Ademola Lookman is expected to start on the left, pairing Akor Adams with Onuachu upfront.

The full predicted Super Eagles starting XI against Egypt is: Francis Uzoho; Bright Osayi Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi; Frank Onyeka, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro; Fisayo Dele-Bashiru; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Paul Onuachu.

Historically, both nations boast impressive AFCON records, collectively holding ten titles—Egypt with a record seven (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2010) and Nigeria with three (1980, 1994, 2013). Egypt made its AFCON debut in the inaugural 1957 tournament, while Nigeria first appeared in 1963. The Pharaohs hold the record for most points accumulated in AFCON history (204 points from 111 games), closely followed by Nigeria (195 points from 104 games). Egypt also leads in total goals scored (175). Notably, Ghana and Nigeria share the record for most silver medals (5), while Nigeria holds the record for most bronze medals (8) and the most overall medals (16) in AFCON history.

Both nations also share the record for the fastest goal scored in AFCON history: Hassan El-Shazly for Egypt in 1974 and Tijani Babangide for Nigeria in 2000. Furthermore, Egypt and Nigeria are unique in African football for producing individuals who won the AFCON both as players and coaches: Mahmoud El-Gohary for Egypt and Stephen Keshi for Nigeria.

In terms of squad valuation for AFCON 2025, Egypt's 28-man squad is valued at €137.4 million, with Manchester City's Omar Marmoush (€65m) being the most valuable player. Only six of Egypt's squad members play their club football outside of Africa. Nigeria's 28-man squad, on the other hand, is valued significantly higher at €279.55 million, with Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen (€75m) as its most valuable player. None of Nigeria's squad play club football in Nigeria, with two in Africa and the remainder playing in Europe. Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah is Egypt's all-time record goalscorer, with 61 goals in 107 appearances.

This friendly match, while not contributing to points or trophies, is of paramount importance. It provides both sides an invaluable opportunity to gauge form, fitness, and team chemistry. For Eric Chelle, it's a critical chance to test his selections, particularly the five new additions, and observe their performance under competitive conditions, especially with Nigerian stars performing strongly in Europe. For Egypt, it's a platform to assert their continental dominance. This encounter is expected to be a true preview of the high-stakes football anticipated at AFCON 2025.

Fans can watch the match by keeping an eye on official channels from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) for broadcast announcements. Common broadcasters include NTA Sports and SuperSport (DStv/GOtv) in Nigeria and across Pan-Africa, with online streaming sometimes available via platforms like Sporty TV. Fans are encouraged to tune in early for pre-match analysis and follow official accounts for line-up confirmations and live commentary.