Nigeria's Super Eagles have officially commenced their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cairo, Egypt. Head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff opened proceedings, with a fresh wave of arrivals quickly gathering at the training camp, signaling an encouraging early response as the team begins its final stretch of preparations.

Key attacking figures were among the early joiners. Ademola Lookman, the Atalanta forward, arrived from club duty in Italy, having played a crucial role in Atalanta’s recent 2-1 league victory over Cagliari. His presence is expected to inject leadership and attacking sharpness into Chelle’s early sessions. Portugal-based left-back Zaidu Sanusi also reported for national duty after Porto released him earlier than anticipated, prioritizing early camp cohesion despite the club's initial request to retain him for a domestic cup fixture.

Midfield reinforcement arrived in the form of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, fresh from helping nine-man Lazio claim an impressive victory over Parma. He traveled to Cairo alongside Pisa youngster Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who is responding to his first-ever Super Eagles call-up, marking a significant career milestone and a chance to stake a long-term claim. The goalkeeping department is already complete, with Tanzania-based Amas Obasogie joining Francis Uzoho and Stanley Nwabali, who were the earliest arrivals, providing Chelle with early stability in this key position.

Further defensive and midfield options have bolstered the squad. Debutant Tochukwu Nnadi of Belgian side Zulte Waregem checked in, his inclusion in place of the more established Alhassan Yusuf indicating Chelle’s willingness to reward form and broaden competition. Slavia Prague defender Igho Ogbu also arrived, preparing for his first major international tournament. Defensive versatility was further boosted by the arrival of Birmingham City full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel and Hull City centre-half Semi Ajayi, both of whom add valuable experience.

Several Super Eagles stars displayed exceptional form for their clubs just before heading to the national team camp. Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams were standout performers for Sevilla, each scoring in their team's dominant 4-0 victory over Real Oviedo. Adams opened the scoring early with a fine finish, and Ejuke wrapped it up in the 89th minute with a stunning goal, deftly beating three defenders. Cyriel Dessers, who joined Panathinaikos from Rangers, scored his first goal in three months in a crucial 2-1 win against Olympiakos, marking his first start since September. New invitee Salim Fago Lawal also found the net for Istra in a Croatian top-flight game against Rijeka, though the match was suspended due to heavy fog. Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen were also involved in goals for their respective clubs on Saturday, increasing confidence ahead of the tournament.

Despite the excellent form of some players, their departure for international duty poses challenges for their clubs. Sevilla manager Matias Almeyda voiced concerns over losing key attackers Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke for a significant period due to AFCON. He acknowledged that their absence disrupts the club's plans but stressed he would not use it as an excuse, calling on the remaining players to rise to the occasion and fill the void. The manager has been in discussions with the sporting director about future player acquisitions to address such situations.

More Super Eagles players are anticipated to join the camp, with twelve expected on Monday, including Turkey-based stars Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen, and Wilfred Ndidi, and the final five on Tuesday. Coach Eric Chelle has named a 28-man final squad comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and nine forwards, aiming for a near-complete squad for the first full training session.

The team will hold its inaugural full training session at 8 pm local time inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria’s preparations will intensify with a friendly match against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday at the same venue. Subsequently, Nigeria will kick off their AFCON campaign with a game against Tanzania next Tuesday. Coach Chelle has been tasked with matching, or bettering, Nigeria’s impressive run at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, where the Super Eagles reached the final. The foundation for this journey is now being laid in Cairo.