The Super Eagles have begun preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar, with 23 players now in training camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and winger Samuel Chukwueze have joined the team, completing the latest batch of players reporting to camp. Head coach Éric Chelle will step up preparations for Nigeria's opening Group L fixture against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match on September 29. With Ndidi, Chukwueze, and Nwabali now available, Chelle has a sizeable group with which to begin the serious tactical phase of preparations. The players in camp include Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Stanley Nwabali, Wilfred Ndidi, and Samuel Chukwueze.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had listed Ndidi, Nwabali, Chukwueze, and other established Super Eagles players among Chelle's 24-man squad, alongside first-time senior invitees Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, and George Ilenikhena. Nwabali's arrival further strengthens a goalkeeping department that also includes Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo. The Chippa United goalkeeper returns to the national team setup as Chelle prepares for his first competitive fixtures in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Ndidi's arrival is particularly significant as the Leicester City midfielder is expected to lead the side as captain during the qualifiers. The midfielder brings considerable international experience to a squad that has undergone some changes under Chelle, while Chukwueze adds another established attacking option on the flank. The staggered arrival of the players has largely been necessitated by their club commitments across different countries.
Nigeria will begin the qualifying campaign without Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the opening two matches because of injury. The Galatasaray striker was initially named in Chelle's squad but was subsequently replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi following his injury setback. Awoniyi returns to the Super Eagles after his last appearance for Nigeria in October 2024.
Nigeria face one-ticket battle in Group L, alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania, with the qualifying structure making the group particularly important for Chelle's side. Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have an automatic place at the tournament. Only the highest-ranked team apart from Tanzania will qualify from Group L.
The Super Eagles' preparations have now moved beyond camp arrivals, with 23 players available as the technical crew begins the crucial on-field work ahead of Friday's opening 2027 AFCON qualifier in Uyo. The immediate priority will be to assess the players' physical condition following their respective club engagements, work on tactical organisation, and begin establishing the combinations the coach intends to deploy against Madagascar.
Key points
- Super Eagles begin training for Madagascar clash with 23 players in camp.
- Ndidi, Nwabali, and Chukwueze join training camp, boosting team's preparations.
- Nigeria face one-ticket battle in Group L, alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania.
