As the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF threw open the Super Eagles camp in Cairo in preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off in seven days, returnee goalkeeper Francis Uzoho became the first to arrive in the early hours of Sunday.
According to the NFF, the team’s camp opened on Sunday, 14 December, at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with members of the coaching crew and backroom staff already on ground.
Uzoho, who plays for Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, arrived shortly after 2 a.m. local time, setting the pace for Nigeria’s build-up to the continental tournament in Morocco.
The 27-year-old’s early arrival has been viewed as a strong show of commitment, particularly following his return to the national team after a cameo appearance at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
He was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad and retained his spot in head coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s final 28-man list, despite intense competition in the goalkeeping department.
Nigeria will head into AFCON 2025 with Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie and Uzoho as its three goalkeepers.
While Nwabali is widely regarded as the first-choice option, Uzoho brings significant tournament experience, having featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and two AFCON tournaments.
Uzoho’s recent club form has also boosted his case.
Last Thursday, he delivered an impressive performance for Omonia Nicosia, making six crucial saves and keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory over Rapid Wien in the UEFA Europa Conference League. His display earned him the Man of the Match award.
The Cairo camp represents the final phase of Nigeria’s preparations before the tournament begins later this month in Morocco.
