By Aderonke Ojo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a narrow 2–1 defeat to seven-time African champions Egypt in a pre-Africa Cup of Nations friendly played in Cairo on Tuesday night, as both sides fine-tuned preparations for the tournament in Morocco.
The friendly, staged to sharpen competitive edge ahead of AFCON kick-off, saw Nigeria struggle for cohesion in attack, even though their work rate and commitment were evident throughout the encounter.
Egypt took a deserved lead in the 28th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from close range after sustained pressure. The Pyramids’ midfielder was perfectly picked out by the lively Ahmed Sayed “Zizo,” whose direct running and creativity caused Nigeria persistent problems down the flanks. Saber arrived unmarked at the back post to tap into an empty net.
Nigeria’s best moments in the first half came more from determination than structure. The Super Eagles were nearly gifted an equaliser when Paul Onuachu’s long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Egyptian defender Yasser Ibrahim, but goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy reacted sharply to prevent the mishap.
That incident appeared to lift Nigeria’s confidence, and the equaliser arrived deep into first-half stoppage time. Zaidu Sanusi swung in a free kick from the left which El Shenawy fumbled at his near post, allowing defender Chidozie Awaziem to react quickest and head home from close range in the 45+3rd minute.
Egypt, however, emerged from the interval with renewed urgency and reclaimed the lead eight minutes after the restart. Once again, Nigeria were undone by Egyptian width and movement as Zizo played a key role in the build-up before Mostafa Mohamed powered a right-footed shot past the Nigerian defence from inside the area in the 53rd minute.
Despite efforts to respond, the Super Eagles were unable to find a second equaliser as Egypt controlled the closing stages and finished the match the stronger side.
The result offers Nigeria valuable lessons ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Tanzania on Monday, while Egypt will begin their own campaign a day earlier against Zimbabwe.
For the Super Eagles, the Cairo test underlined the need for sharper attacking cohesion as they prepare to chase continental glory in Morocco.