The Super Eagles of Nigeria commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar on Tuesday. A total of 23 players participated in the first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The team's head coach, Eric Chelle, and his assistants are leading the training sessions ahead of Friday's clash with the Barea.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to join the team later, as the rest of the squad is already in camp. Coach Chelle named 24 players for Nigeria's opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before traveling to Bissau for the encounter with Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
Several key players have already arrived at the team's camp, including Paris FC forward Moses Simon and Venezia striker Akor Adams. Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena, were also present. Other players in camp include Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo, and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Experienced players such as Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, and Calvin Bassey were also in attendance, alongside returning defender Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka were among the other players present. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined the group before the training session.
The Super Eagles will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for the opening fixtures due to his injury. Awoniyi's recall and the presence of Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena provide further options in attack. Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
As Tanzania is one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, they are automatically qualified. This means only the highest-ranked team among the remaining sides in Group L will secure the group's qualifying ticket. Nigeria aims to build on their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they begin their bid to return to the continental finals in 2027.
The Super Eagles' next fixture is against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, after their encounter with Madagascar on Friday. Coach Chelle's team will look to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- The Super Eagles start their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday.
- Coach Eric Chelle has named 24 players for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
- The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen for the opening fixtures due to injury.
