The Super Eagles’ final test before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ended in a narrow 2 to 1 defeat to Egypt on Tuesday night, but beyond the scoreline, the friendly at the Cairo International Stadium offered important talking points for head coach and fans alike.
It was a night of milestones and mixed emotions for Nigeria. Midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro earned his first ever start for the Super Eagles, while defender Chidozie Awaziem wore the captain’s armband and capped the occasion with a crucial goal that briefly brought Nigeria level.
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The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides feeling each other out in a match that carried more intensity than a typical friendly. Egypt enjoyed early possession, while Nigeria looked to stay compact and strike on the counter.
Awaziem, leading from the back, was booked inside the opening ten minutes following a late challenge, an early reminder of the physical nature of the contest. Despite the pressure, Nigeria held firm until the 28th minute, when Egypt broke the deadlock.
A quick ball played in behind Zaidu Sanusi caught the Super Eagles defence flat-footed, and Mahmoud Saber arrived unmarked at the far post to tap home for the hosts. It was a simple finish, but one that exposed Nigeria’s vulnerability in defensive transition.
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Nigeria responded with more urgency. Paul Onuachu came agonisingly close to an equaliser in the 39th minute, rising highest to power a header toward goal. The Egyptian goalkeeper, however, produced a sharp reaction save to tip the effort wide and preserve the lead.
Just when it seemed Nigeria would head into the break behind, the Super Eagles struck. Zaidu Sanusi delivered a well-struck free kick that beat the goalkeeper and crashed off the post. Awaziem, alert and aggressive, reacted fastest to nod the rebound home from close range, drawing Nigeria level deep into first-half stoppage time.
The equaliser lifted Nigeria heading into halftime, but the second half brought renewed pressure from Egypt. Ten minutes after the restart, Mostafa Mohamed restored the hosts’ advantage. The striker slipped in behind the defence and finished calmly past Amas Obasogie, although replays suggested he may have been in an offside position.
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Nigeria pushed for another response but struggled to find rhythm in the final third. Despite moments of promise and flashes of quality, the Super Eagles could not carve out a clear chance to force a second equaliser.
At full time, Egypt held on for a 2 to 1 victory, leaving Nigeria with lessons to take into the tournament proper. While the result will sting, the performance offered positives, particularly the composure shown by Akinsanmiro on his debut start and the leadership displayed by Awaziem at the back.
Attention now turns to Morocco, where Nigeria will depart Cairo on Thursday via chartered flight to continue preparations in Fés. The Super Eagles open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania next Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 PM.
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For Nigeria, the message from Cairo is clear. There is work to be done, but the foundations are being laid. As AFCON approaches, the Super Eagles will be hoping these hard lessons come at just the right time.
