Egypt’s Pharaohs edged Nigeria’s Super Eagles 2-1 in a friendly at Cairo Stadium on Tuesday night, in their final tune-up for the 35th AFCON starting Sunday.
Nigeria debuted a 3-5-2 under Eric Chelle, dominated early possession, but Egypt grew into the game and struck on a swift counter midway through the first half.
The Eagles stayed compact, pressed on set pieces and equalised in stoppage time as Zaidu Sanusi’s delivery was headed home by Chidozie Awaziem.
After the break, Nigeria switched to 4-4-2 with several changes, but Egypt regained the lead from a contentious offside decision that protests failed to overturn.
Egypt defended deep thereafter, while Chelle was booked amid protests over refereeing, including a waved-away handball in the box.
The Super Eagles will depart for Fés on Thursday for Group C clashes with Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, as Egypt head to Agadir for Group B ties.
The 2025 AFCON is scheduled to hold in Morocco from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18, 2026.
NAN
