The Super Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with 23 players taking part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player still expected in camp, with the rest of the squad already training under head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants ahead of Friday’s opening Group L fixture against Madagascar.
Chelle initially named 24 players for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Bissau for their second fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Although the team’s camp officially opened on Monday, the majority of the players arrived in Uyo on Tuesday ahead of the evening training session.
Among the early arrivals were Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi and first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena.
Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu were also present, alongside established Super Eagles players including Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali subsequently joined the squad before the training session, leaving Okoye as the final expected arrival.
Friday’s clash marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign for Chelle, with Nigeria drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
Tanzania’s position as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON means they have already secured automatic qualification. As a result, the remaining teams in Group L will battle for the group’s available qualifying place.
Nigeria will begin the campaign without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who withdrew from the squad as he continues his recovery from injury.
Awoniyi has returned to the national team setup, while Arokodare, Adams and Ilenikhena provide Chelle with additional attacking options in Osimhen’s absence.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to build on their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 tournament.
Following Friday’s encounter with Madagascar in Uyo, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L match on September 29.
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