Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle, is set to make several key decisions as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday. The team will enter the fixture without Victor Osimhen, who has withdrawn due to a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement, leaving Chelle with a decision to make in attack.
Arthur Okonkwo, a goalkeeper, and Tolu Arokodare, a forward, are among the players pushing for starting places. Okonkwo received his first senior call-up in the initial squad announcement, while Arokodare's recent form with Ajax could strengthen his case for a starting position. Other options in goal include Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, making the goalkeeper position one of Chelle's key decisions.
A possible starting XI features Stanley Nwabali in goal, with Ola Aina, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi forming the defence. Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi are expected to provide the midfield base, while Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman could lead the attack. This line-up is not confirmed, and Chelle could make changes depending on player fitness and tactical requirements.
With Osimhen unavailable, Arokodare and Awoniyi are among the alternatives for the central striking role. Awoniyi's experience provides another option for the coaching staff, while Arokodare's recent form makes him a strong contender. The final matchday bench will depend on the players selected in the starting XI and any further squad changes.
Chelle's other options include goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye, defenders Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, George Ilenikhena, and Moses Usor. The Super Eagles' clash with Madagascar carries additional significance after the team missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chelle will hope his side can avoid another disappointing result and begin the AFCON qualifying campaign with three points in front of the home supporters. The team's preparation has been focused, with Chelle arriving in Uyo to oversee the final training sessions before kick-off.
The Super Eagles' match against Madagascar is a crucial one, and Chelle's selection decisions will be key to the team's success. With a range of talented players to choose from, Chelle will need to make tough decisions to ensure the team starts their qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Key points
- Eric Chelle faces several selection decisions ahead of Nigeria's AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar.
- Victor Osimhen has withdrawn from the squad due to a muscle injury, and Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement.
- Arthur Okonkwo and Tolu Arokodare are among the players pushing for starting places in the Super Eagles' XI.
