Osimhen vs Salah headline Nigeria–Egypt AFCON test

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up for a heavyweight warm-up against Egypt, a friendly designed to sharpen them for AFCON 2025 and put Victor Osimhen head-to-head with Mohamed Salah. Set for this international window at a neutral venue, the clash is being treated as more than practice — it’s a statement opportunity.

Nigeria want to prove their tempo and finishing can hold up against one of Africa’s most streetwise teams, while Egypt arrive with momentum from a solid recent run that has reinforced their tournament credentials. Coaches on both sides see the game as a pressure test: chances created, chances taken, and mistakes punished.

“This is exactly the level we must face before AFCON,” the Nigeria coach said, explaining that big opponents expose weaknesses fast. Osimhen backed that idea, adding, “Matches like this show us where we really are and what we must fix,” as reported by local outlets.

Egypt’s camp is equally switched on, with Salah saying the meeting will “tell us how prepared we are,” according to Egyptian media. Pundits have already framed it as an early audition for continental supremacy — with the Super Eagles urged to dominate, not just compete.