With both Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen left out, I expected a measured contest focused on structure and squad depth. Instead, Egypt looked the more settled side for long spells, and Nigeria took time to find any real rhythm.

The opening exchanges were slow, but Egypt gradually grew into the game and deservedly took the lead in the 28th minute. Zizo, who impressed me throughout the night, slipped a neat pass to Mahmoud Saber, and his right-footed finish left Stanley Nwabali with no chance.

Nigeria’s response was encouraging. Just before half-time, a Zaidu Sanusi free-kick caused panic in the Egyptian box, and Chidozie Awaziem reacted sharply to force home the equaliser. At that point, I felt the Super Eagles had a platform to build on.

That optimism didn’t last long. Egypt returned from the break with more intent, and just seven minutes into the second half, they exposed Nigeria once again. Zizo was the architect for the second time, picking out Mostafa Mohamed, whose effort slipped through Nwabali’s gloves — an unfortunate moment for the goalkeeper.

From my view in the stadium, Nigeria clearly missed Osimhen. Without his movement, aggression and pressing, the Eagles struggled to stretch Egypt’s defence or create meaningful chances. The fight was there, but the cutting edge was not.

This defeat isn’t a disaster, but it is a reminder. As three-time AFCON champions, expectations are always high, and there’s work to be done — particularly in attack and defensive concentration — before the real test begins.

All eyes now turn to December 23, when Nigeria open their AFCON campaign against Tanzania. What I saw in Cairo suggests the Super Eagles have potential, but they will need sharper execution when the tournament truly begins.