Egypt Triumphs 2-1 Over Nigeria in Cairo Friendly Ahead of AFCON
16 December 2025
Match developments
Egypt earned a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in a friendly staged at Cairo International Stadium, a tune-up that gave both teams a glimpse of their depth ahead of Africa Cup of Nations.
Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead in the 27th minute, finishing a well-worked move after a cross and a precise final touch from the attackers.
Shidrack Owazim pulled Nigeria level in stoppage time of the first half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to slot home the equalizer.
Mustafa Mohamed restored the lead for the Pharaohs in the 53rd minute with a composed finish after a strong build-up play.
Coach Hossam Hassan was pleased with the collective display, especially given the absence of key players such as Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush due to late returns from England, along with Mahmoud Hassan "Trezeguet" and Ibrahim Adel sidelined by injuries and dental issues.
The first half moved at a measured pace, with Egypt probing and Nigeria pressing, while Imam Ashour made an early run that fizzled after a late challenge.
Samuel’s Nigerian side threatened at times with dangerous crosses, but Egypt’s reshuffled defense held firm as the interval approached.
In the second half, Nigeria made several substitutions as Egypt rotated their squad; Zizo’s snapshot tested the keeper before Mustafa Mohamed extended the lead.
Egypt then tightened the defensive structure, bringing on fresh legs including Mohamed Shahat, to ride out the closing stages amid a persistent, though ultimately fruitless, Nigerian push.
Nigeria argued for a late handball, but officials signaled no deliberate foul, and the referee’s decision stood as Egypt closed out the win.
The match ended with Egypt celebrating a worthwhile victory, a confidence boost for the squad ahead of their AFCON campaign in Morocco.
Two light-hearted notes from the bench: the bench’s espresso was strong, and so was the echo of “next man up” as substitutes found their rhythm.
Punchline 1: If precision had a nickname in football, Saber just gave Nigeria a masterclass—talk about arrowing the bullseye.
Punchline 2: Salah and Marmoush were late to the party, but the substitutes brought enough spark to light the whole show anyway.
