Nigeria suffered a 2-1 defeat to Egypt in a friendly match at the Cairo International Stadium ahead of the AFCON tournament.
Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt the lead with a close-range finish after a brilliant run and assist from Zizo.
Chidozie Awaziem later drew the Super Eagles level late in the first half, nodding home after the goalkeeper spilled Zaidu Sanusi’s free kick.
Egypt regained the advantage in the second half when Mostafa Mohamed’s strike beat Amas Obasogie.
Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the match
Nwabali Returns Amid Fitness Concerns
Chippa United captain Stanley Nwabali returned between the posts for Nigeria despite lingering concerns over his fitness ahead of the tournament.
The goalkeeper has not featured for his South African club since representing Nigeria against DR Congo in Morocco, raising questions about his readiness for the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, Nwabali eased those concerns by starting for the Super Eagles in the friendly against Egypt.
Akinsanmiro Makes Super Eagles Debut
Pisa midfielder Akinsanmiro made his senior debut for the Super Eagles, starting in midfield alongside Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Deployed in a more advanced role, Akinsanmiro came close to marking his debut with a goal, firing just over the crossbar from the edge of the box in the first half.
He will be hoping to earn more minutes with the national team as he looks to establish himself.
El Shenawy Error Hands Nigeria Equaliser
Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy will be disappointed with his role in Nigeria’s equaliser shortly before halftime.
The veteran shot-stopper spilled a low free kick from Zaidu Sanusi, allowing Chidozie Awaziem to head home from close range.
The mistake is likely to intensify debate over Egypt’s goalkeeping situation ahead of the biennial tournament.
Eagles Struggle Defensively Without Frederick, Bassey and Troost-Ekong
The Super Eagles experienced defensive difficulties against Egypt following the absence of key defenders William Troost-Ekong and Benjamin Frederick.
Troost-Ekong retired from international football before the start of the tournament, while Frederick was ruled out through injury.
Without their presence at the back, Nigeria lacked defensive stability and were repeatedly exposed by the Egyptian attack.
Refereeing Decisions Raise Concerns
The centre referee came under scrutiny for several contentious decisions during the second half of the match.
He declined to award a penalty to Nigeria after Cyriel Dessers was brought down inside the box, a call that drew strong call from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who was subsequently booked for his protest.
The players also voiced their frustration with the officiating team for failing to flag an apparent offside in the build-up to Egypt’s second goal.
Adeyemi Adewale
Photo Credit: efa.com.eg
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