By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is expected to name two different squads this week as Nigeria prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, followed by an international friendly against Russia.
Chelle is set to rely on his established internationals for the two competitive fixtures, while giving a largely Under-23 squad the opportunity to impress in the October 6 friendly against Russia.
Nigeria will begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The qualifiers are expected to feature the core of the Super Eagles squad, although at least one new player could also receive a call-up as Chelle continues to evaluate his options.
The Russia friendly, however, presents the coach with an opportunity to look beyond his regular senior players. Chelle, who also oversees Nigeria’s Olympic team, is expected to use the encounter to assess emerging talents ahead of future Olympic qualifying commitments.
A largely U-23 squad is being assembled for the fixture, with several young players reportedly already invited to camp. The game will allow Chelle to assess their readiness against quality European opposition while exposing them to senior international football.
The friendly is scheduled to take place at the 44,000-capacity Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, exactly one week after Nigeria’s second AFCON qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria and Russia last met in Moscow in June 2025, with both sides settling for a 1-1 draw.
Chelle’s decision to work with two squads is expected to help the Super Eagles maintain their focus on the immediate objective of making a strong start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, while simultaneously creating room for the next generation of players to stake their claim.
The squad announcements will provide a clearer picture of Chelle’s plans for both Nigeria’s immediate qualification campaign and his longer-term strategy for rebuilding and strengthening the national team.
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