Super Eagles Begin 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Preparations in Uyo

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 in Uyo on Tuesday.

Head coach Éric Chelle and his assistants oversaw the session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as Nigeria prepare to face Madagascar on Friday.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player still expected in camp, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and Stanley Nwabali among those who joined the squad before Tuesday’s training.

The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Monday, but most of the players arrived on Tuesday ahead of the evening session.

Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu were among the early arrivals.

Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka also took part.

Nigeria are drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. 

With co-host Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals, only the highest-ranked team among the remaining three nations will qualify from the group.

The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen for the opening qualifiers as the Galatasaray striker continues his recovery from injury. Awoniyi has returned to the squad as his replacement.

Nigeria host Madagascar on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifier on September 29.