Egypt complete AFCON preparations with win over Nigeria

The Egyptian national team wrapped up their preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations with an important friendly victory over Nigeria, winning 2–1 in the match held at Cairo International Stadium. The game served as the final preparation for both teams ahead of the 35th edition of the continental tournament.

There is no doubt that this win will provide a strong morale boost for Egypt ahead of their trip to Morocco, which will host the tournament from 21 December until 18 January 2026.

Key match events

Nigeria imposed their superiority during periods of the first half, particularly at the beginning, although Egypt’s attacking threat gradually emerged. Emam Ashour came close to opening the scoring early with a powerful shot in the 25th minute, which was blocked by the defense and turned into a corner.

Egypt found the net in the 28th minute after a well-organized team move that ended with a precise cross from Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” which Mahmoud Saber converted into the goal following a clever pass from team captain Mohamed Hany.

The Nigerians responded with a dangerous attempt from a long throw-in taken by Frank Onyeka, which was redirected by a teammate’s header toward goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The keeper reacted brilliantly to save the effort, preserving Egypt’s lead until the closing moments of the half, when Nigeria equalized through defender Chidozie Awaziem, who scored with a powerful header after a rebound from El Shenawy following a set-piece delivery by Zaidu Sanusi.

Egypt entered the second half with clear energy and threatened Nigeria’s goal with a strong shot by “Zizo” in the 47th minute, which the substitute goalkeeper saved with difficulty.

The hosts regained the lead in the 53rd minute when Emam Ashour led an organised attack and passed the ball into the box to “Zizo,” who laid it off to striker Mostafa Mohamed. The forward fired a low shot into the net to give Egypt the winning goal.

The “Pharaohs” continued their attacking pressure before head coach Hossam Hassan made several substitutions in the 55th minute, bringing on Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hamdy, Osama Faisal and Salah Mohsen in place of Mohamed El Shenawy, Ahmed Fattouh, Emam Ashour and Mostafa Mohamed.

The Egyptian coaching staff completed the substitutions later by introducing Mohamed Shehata instead of “Zizo,” followed by Mohannad Lasheen and Mostafa Fathi in the closing minutes, aiming to give more players an opportunity and test multiple options.

With this victory, Egypt ended a winless run of nearly ten years against Nigeria, as their previous win dated back to March 2016.
The importance of this result goes beyond morale, as it reflects renewed confidence and readiness ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, raising expectations among Egyptian fans for a strong tournament campaign, with Egypt set to play their opening match against Zimbabwe next Monday.