The Super Eagles will kick off their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with their first training session at the team's camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. All invited players are expected to arrive at the Uyo camp for the session. Media Official Promise Efoghe confirmed that the first 15 minutes of the training will be open to press interviews. This will be followed by a similar session on Wednesday, after which the team will focus on their match preparations without media distractions.
The team's handlers have learned from their past experiences, particularly the inability to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America due to a poor start to the campaign. Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff arrived in Uyo on Monday to begin preparations for the AFCON 2027 Match-day 1 Group L clash with Madagascar. The team will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Nigeria's talisman, Victor Osimhen, will not participate in the opening match-day fixture due to a muscle tear that has sidelined him for a few days. His availability for the match-day 2 fixture with Guinea-Bissau is also doubtful. In his place, Coach Chelle has called up Coventry's Taiwo Awoniyi as a late substitute. Awoniyi will join the team at the camp in Ikot Ekpene.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau four days after their match against Madagascar, on September 29, in Guinea-Bissau. Coach Chelle and his team will aim to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign. The team's camp in Ikot Ekpene has been set up to provide a conducive environment for the players to prepare for the matches.
According to Media Official Efoghe, the team's training sessions will be structured to allow for media interactions at specific times. This is aimed at minimizing distractions and allowing the team to focus on their match preparations. The team's handlers will also ensure that the players are well-prepared physically and mentally for the challenges ahead.
The Super Eagles' match against Madagascar will be a crucial one, as the team looks to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign. Coach Chelle will be hoping that his team can build on their recent performances and secure a positive result. The team's fans will be eagerly anticipating the match and will be hoping that the team can deliver a good performance.
The team's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been ongoing, with Coach Chelle and his staff working tirelessly to ensure that the team is well-prepared. The team's players will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will look to make a strong impression in the qualifying campaign and secure a spot in the tournament.
Key points
- Victor Osimhen will miss the opening match-day fixture due to a muscle tear.
- The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
- Coach Eric Chelle has called up Taiwo Awoniyi as a late substitute for Victor Osimhen.
