Nigeria’s Super Eagles fell to a narrow defeat to the Pharaohs of Egypt in an Africa Cup of Nations warm-up friendly match.
The Cairo International Stadium was visibly empty as the two heavyweights of African football clashed ahead of the tournament.
Eric Chelle named Paul Onuachu, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and newly-invited Ebenezer Akinsanmiro among a couple of regulars in his line-up.
The three-time African champions enjoyed a brief spell of possession on the early exchanges but conceded first from a well-worked goal from the right flank.
FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi was caught out of position as Al Ahly forward Zizo picked a pass ahead of him and squared the ball towards Mahmoud Saver, who tapped the ball into an empty net, leaving Nwabali helpless.
The Super Eagles struggled with chances from open play but were threatening from set pieces and got the equalizer from a free-kick into the box.
Chidozie Awaziem header home his first-ever goal for the Super Eagles with a header after El Shenawy spilled the ball in his direction from Sanusi’s free-kick.
The first half ended a goal apiece for both sides as Nigeria went into the break with the better momentum, having scored in the added time.
However, the hosts reclaimed their lead a few minutes into the break. Zizo found Mostafa Muhammed with a delightful pass, and the Nantes forward buried the ball underneath the arm of Amas Onasogie to put Egypt 2-1 up.
Eric Chelle made a couple of changes as Cyriel Dessers, Ademola Lookman, and Semi Ajayi came on to the pitch.
Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Fago Lawal also came on in the second half as they made their debut for the senior national team.
The tie ended 2-1 in favour of Egypt heading into the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off this Sunday.
