Paul Onuachu Plays Down Egypt Defeat As Super Eagles Step Up AFCON 2025 Preparations

Paul Onuachu has played down concerns following Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Egypt, insisting confidence remains strong within the Super Eagles camp as preparations continue for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Super Eagles went behind when Mahmoud Saber struck for Egypt, before Chidozie Awaziem drew Nigeria level shortly before the interval.

Egypt regained the advantage early in the second half through Mostafa Mohamed, a result that ended their nine-year wait for a win against Nigeria.

Despite the loss, Onuachu, who now plies his trade with Trabzonspor, was upbeat about both his personal display and the team’s overall performance.

“I felt good playing against them, especially knowing that I had scored against Egypt in the past,” Onuachu said. “I had a good feeling during the game, and you could see that in my performance.

“I played with a lot of confidence and focused on playing my game. Unfortunately, we lost and the goal didn’t come this time, but I still felt good on the pitch.

“I think both the team and I had a good game.”

The former Southampton forward was part of a Super Eagles side that used the friendly as their only warm-up fixture ahead of AFCON 2025.

Head coach Eric Chelle took the opportunity to assess new faces and experiment with tactical ideas.

Within the camp, there is little sense of panic. Nigeria created chances, showed flashes of cohesion and successfully blended fresh players into a new tactical approach, all of which have been viewed as positives despite the result.

The Super Eagles currently have 27 players in camp, strengthened by the arrival of Moses Simon, while Victor Osimhen is expected to link up with the squad as final preparations continue.