Nigeria intensified its build-up to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening as the Super Eagles held their first full training session in Cairo, with 22 players taking part.

Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw the workout, which marked a major step forward in preparations despite the absence of several high-profile attackers. Star forwards Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon were not involved and are now unlikely to feature in Tuesday’s international friendly against Egypt.

The team’s Cairo camp had gradually come together over the weekend with the arrival of officials and a handful of early-reporting players. Monday’s session, however, represented Chelle’s first opportunity to work with the bulk of his squad on the training pitch.

Squad numbers were boosted by the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, who received a late invitation following injury setbacks to Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick.

While the camp continues to fill up, six players are still yet to report. Those expected to join in the coming days include Osimhen, Chukwueze, Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Usman Muhammed and Salim Fago Lawal.

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With the Egypt friendly looming, Chelle will be eager to fine-tune his plans as more players filter into camp ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.