Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has reflected on facing Egypt again as Nigeria fell 2-1 in their pre-Afcon friendly.

The forward recalled his historic goal against the Pharaohs in March 2019 in Asaba. Onuachu’s goal came very early in the match and set the tone for a 1–0 victory over Egypt in Asaba in March 2019.

It took Paul Ebere Onuachu less than ten seconds to score Nigeria’s goal against Egypt in Asaba, making it the fastest ever goal scored by a Nigerian player in an international match.

Looking back at facing the same opponents in 2025, Onuachu said, “I feel good to to to play to play against them knowing that I scored against them years ago. I had a good feeling, you could say in the game it was good.

“I had a lot of confidence, you know, played my game. So forunately we lost and of course the goal did not come but I think I felt good in the game.”

In the Cairo friendly, Egypt took the lead just before the half-hour mark through Mahmoud Saber.

The Zed striker, set up by Zizo, tapped in at the back post after repeatedly troubling Nigeria’s defense.

Nigeria showed attacking intent but struggled to find cohesion. Onuachu nearly created an opening when his long ball almost resulted in an own goal by Yasser Ibrahim, with only a fine save preventing the mishap.

The Super Eagles eventually drew level when Zaidu’s free kick struck goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy at his near post.

El Shenawy fumbled, allowing Chidozie Awaziem to head home from close range, making it 1-1.

Egypt regained the lead in the second half. Zizo created space for Mostafa Mohamed, who drilled the ball home from inside the area to restore the advantage.

Nigeria were unable to respond, and the match ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts.

Wale Adejumo