Egypt defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a pre-AFCON friendly in Cairo, utilizing the absence of star players Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen to experiment before the tournament begins next week.
Egypt secured a vital 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a final exhibition match held in Cairo on Tuesday evening, as both teams fine-tuned preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With key players Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen unavailable, coaches utilized the friendly to experiment. Mostafa Mohamed’s second-half strike ultimately proved the difference, confirming a win for the Pharaohs at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Super Eagles started sluggishly, leading to the opening goal in the 28th minute when Al Ahly’s Zizo crossed for Mahmoud Saber’s close-range finish.
Nigeria did wake up after conceding, however, and were rewarded just before halftime.
Following a free-kick, Zaidu Sanusi’s shot was parried, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to score the equalizer with a headed finish on the goal line.
Five halftime substitutions disrupted Nigeria’s fluidity, while the hosts maintained their group. Egypt capitalized in the 53rd minute when Zizo cut the ball back for Mostafa Mohamed to finish from six yards out, sealing the 2-1 result.
Egypt will kick off their AFCON campaign in Group B against Zimbabwe next Monday, while Nigeria begins their Group C fixtures against Tanzania next Tuesday.