The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 2-1 to the Pharaohs of Egypt in their AFCON pre-tournament friendly on Tuesday night, www.aclsports.com reports
Head coach Eric Chelle handed a starting berth to new boy Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who started alongside Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka in midfield. On his return to the national team and in the absence Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu started upfront with Chidera Ejuke. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also returned to action since the defeat to DR Congo.
In the practice match at the Cairo International Stadium, Nigeria saw more of the ball in the opening half, but they failed to turn it to chances or threaten the backline of the hosts.
However, it was the Pharaohs who would go ahead to take the lead. After slicing through the Eagles backline from the right, Mahmoud Saber was on hand to simply tap home just before the half-hour mark.
After the goal, Nigeria woke up and started looking for chances of their own. Zaidu Sanusi, who was culpable for Egypt’s goal, made a couple of good runs, but the hosts cleared the danger. Frank Onyeka’s own goal was nearly turned home by a defender, but goalkeeper Mohammed El-shenawy made a big save to keep his side in the lead.
On the stroke of halftime, Nigeria eventually got themselves on level terms. Sansui’s effort from a freekick was bundled home by skipper of the night Chidozie Awaziem.
After the break, Chelle made wholesome changes with Nwabali replaced by the Amas Obasogie, while Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Cyriel Dessers replaced Sanusi, Awaziem and Ejuke respectively.
Egypt went ahead to regain their lead through Mostafa Mohammed with an effort that crept under substitute goalkeeper Obasogie in the 53rd minute.
Nigeria barely got going in the second, as both coaches made further substitutions as the game went on. In the end, Egypt, who were without talisman Mohamed Salah, secured the victory.
The Super Eagles will depart Cairo for the Moroccan city of Fés aboard a chartered flight on Thursday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in Group C of the AFCON tournament alongside Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Nigeria’s group opener is against Tanzania on December 23 in Fes.
