Twenty players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as Nigeria begins preparations for its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Head coach Éric Chelle is preparing the three-time African champions for their first Group L fixture against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Nigeria will then travel to Bissau for the second qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Chelle originally named a 24-man squad for the two matches, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey among the key players selected. Three players — Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena — received their first senior invitations.
However, Victor Osimhen will miss both qualifiers after the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the Galatasaray striker is continuing his recovery from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has subsequently been called up as his replacement.
Confédération Africaine de Football +1
With Madagascar already in Uyo, attention now turns to Chelle’s first competitive assignments as Nigeria begins its campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. �
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SMoR Focus: The arrival of 20 players gives Chelle the opportunity to begin tactical preparations, while the remaining invitees are expected to join the squad ahead of the Madagascar encounter.
