FOOTBALL – Egypt wrapped up their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 2-1 friendly win over Nigeria at Cairo Stadium yesterday, marking their first victory over the Super Eagles in nearly a decade.
Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead in the 28th minute, but Nigeria’s Chidozie Awaziem equalised just before halftime. Mostafa Mohamed secured the win in the 53rd minute.
The win was significant for Egypt, as the Super Eagles had held a slight edge in the head-to-head record, winning six of the 19 encounters between the two teams.
The last meeting between the sides was in January 2022, when Nigeria triumphed 1-0 in the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
The match was played without Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah, who both missed the final training session ahead of the game.
Additionally, Ahly winger Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan and Al Jazira’s Ibrahim Adel were sidelined due to minor injuries but are expected to be fit for the AFCON start.
The Pharaohs will kick off their campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday and then take on Angola, and South Africa in the final game of the groupstage.
Nigeria started the match with high pressure on Egypt’s defence and controlled possession, but were unable to create significant scoring chances.
In the 25th minute, Egypt midfielder Emam Ashour had a clear opportunity to score, but his powerful shot from outside the box was blocked by Nigeria’s defence.
Saber broke the deadlock after receiving a low cross from Ahmed ‘Zizo’ Sayed on the right wing, tapping the ball into an empty net with his right foot.
Just before the break, Awaziem headed in a free kick that deflected off Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy to equalise for the Super Eagle.
In the second half, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle made five substitutions in his final preparations ahead of AFCON 2025.
Zizo had a chance to restore Egypt’s lead early in the second half, but Nigeria’s substitute goalkeeper Amas Obasogie made a crucial save just two minutes after the break.
Egypt regained the lead in the 60th minute when Mostafa Mohamed scored from close range after a breakthrough from Zizo into the box.
Egypt’s coach, Hossam Hassan, made further substitutions shortly after the goal, bringing on goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, Salah Mohsen, Osama Faisal, and Mohamed Hamdy.
Despite Nigeria’s pressure, Egypt’s defence held firm, blocking all attempts to equalise. The visitors dominated possession but were unable to break through Egypt’s backline.
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