The Super Eagles of Nigeria were edged 2–1 by the Pharaohs of Egypt in an AFCON pre-tournament friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night.

Head coach Eric Chelle used the occasion to test new faces and returning hands. Debutant Ebenezer Akinsanmiro was handed a starting berth in midfield alongside Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, while Paul Onuachu led the line with Chidera Ejuke in the absence of Victor Osimhen. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also returned to action for the first time since the defeat to DR Congo.

Nigeria enjoyed more possession in the opening exchanges but struggled to convert control into clear-cut chances, rarely troubling the Egyptian backline. It was the hosts who struck first just before the half-hour mark, Mahmoud Saber finishing off a swift move down the right with a simple tap-in.

The goal sparked a response from the Super Eagles, who began to push forward in search of an equaliser. Zaidu Sanusi, partly at fault for the opener, made amends with a couple of probing runs, while Frank Onyeka came close as Egypt’s defence scrambled. Mohammed El-Shenawy was called into action to preserve Egypt’s lead with a fine save before the break.

Nigeria eventually found their reward on the stroke of halftime. From a Sanusi freekick, captain for the night Chidozie Awaziem reacted quickest to bundle the ball home and restore parity.

Chelle rang the changes at the interval, introducing Amas Obasogie in goal, alongside Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, and Cyriel Dessers. But Egypt regained the lead eight minutes into the second half, Mostafa Mohamed’s effort slipping under Obasogie to make it 2–1.

The tempo dipped thereafter as both sides made further substitutions, with Nigeria failing to find rhythm in the second half. Despite the absence of talisman Mohamed Salah, Egypt held on comfortably to see out the win.

The Super Eagles will leave Cairo on Thursday for the Moroccan city of Fes aboard a chartered flight as final preparations continue for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria are drawn in Group C alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, and will open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes.