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    HomeSportsOsimhen boosts Eagles’ morale as AFCON camp in Cairo becomes full

    Osimhen boosts Eagles’ morale as AFCON camp in Cairo becomes full

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    The Super Eagles’ camp in Cairo became a full house on Wednesday night with the arrival of Victor Osimhen, as Nigeria intensified preparations for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

    Osimhen arrived at about 9:45 p.m. Nigerian time (10:45 p.m. local time), completing the list of 28 invited players for the continental showpiece scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

    Promise Efoghe, Super Eagles Media Officer, confirmed the development, describing the striker’s arrival as a major morale boost for the squad.

    “Victor Osimhen joined the camp late Wednesday night, and that means we now have all invited players in camp,” Efoghe said.

    “It is a big lift for the squad because everyone is now focused on the same objective as final preparations begin in earnest.”

    The Super Eagles opened camp on Sunday, December 14, at the Renaissance Hotel in Cairo, Egypt, with all coaches and backroom staff present.

    Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to arrive, touching down shortly after 2 a.m. local time on Sunday and setting the tone for early commitment.

    The team has since held two training sessions, on Monday and Tuesday, before facing Egypt in a tune-up international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium.

    Osimhen, along with wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze, missed the friendly as they concluded club commitments.

    Nigeria lost the encounter 2–1 to the hosts, but Efoghe said the result would not distract the team.

    “The friendly against Egypt was purely for assessment and fine-tuning,” he said.

    “The coaches were more interested in combinations, fitness levels and tactical understanding than the scoreline.”

    Reacting to the loss, defender Chidozie Awaziem and striker Paul Onuachu expressed confidence that the team would improve.

    Awaziem said the match exposed areas needing attention, while Onuachu noted that the intensity would help the players adjust quickly.

    “These games help us correct mistakes early,” Awaziem said. “It is better to learn now than during the tournament.”

    Onuachu added that the squad remained united despite the defeat.

    “We are not discouraged. The focus is on improving every day and being ready for our first group game,” he said.

    NAN reports that Wednesday’s programme included a gym session at 11 a.m. and an evening training session at 5 p.m.

    The Super Eagles will depart Cairo on Thursday for Fes, where they will face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C.

    Efoghe said the mood in camp remained positive.

    “There is a strong sense of responsibility. The players know what Nigerians expect and are determined to give their best in Morocco,” he said.

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