AFCON 2027: Super Eagles Step Up Preparations As 23 Players Report To Camp

The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with 23 players now in camp ahead of Friday’s opening Group L encounter against Madagascar in Uyo.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the players took part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday as head coach Eric Chelle and his technical team began putting the squad through its paces. The arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali brought the number of players in camp to 23.

Nigeria’s camp officially opened on Monday in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, with players arriving in batches because of their respective club commitments. Among those in camp are Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Other players available to Chelle include Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, alongside the three latest arrivals.

The coach named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening two qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye the only player yet to join the team as preparations intensified.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau four days later for their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. However, Tanzania already have an automatic place at the 2027 tournament as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Consequently, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively competing for the group’s remaining qualifying place.

The Super Eagles will begin the campaign without Victor Osimhen after the striker was ruled out of the opening qualifiers while continuing his recovery from a muscle injury sustained during his club duties with Galatasaray.

Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad as Osimhen’s replacement, while Chelle has other attacking options including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and first-time invitee George Ilenikhena.

The first training session gives Chelle limited time to work on his preferred tactical setup and determine the players who will feature against Madagascar. With Nigeria’s second qualifier coming just four days after the Uyo encounter, the coaching crew will also have to manage the players’ fitness and workload carefully.

The Super Eagles are now focused on making a strong start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, with the opening clash against Madagascar set to provide Chelle with his first competitive test in the qualification series.