The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday when they host Madagascar in a Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria hosts Madagascar in Uyo on Friday at 5:00 p.m. to open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
- Victor Osimhen withdrew from the squad with a right adductor muscle strain; Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as replacement.
- Coach Éric Chelle has handed first senior invitations to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.
- Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon lead the experienced core of the squad.
- 23 players are reported in camp in Akwa Ibom as preparations enter their final stages.
- Nigeria travels to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on Tuesday, September 29.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time, with Nigeria looking to open the qualifying campaign on a winning note.
The team has stepped up preparations in Akwa Ibom, with players expressing confidence ahead of the opening fixture against Madagascar’s Barea.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said the squad is in good spirits and fully focused on securing victory, while acknowledging that Madagascar have a competitive team.
New invitee George Ilenikhena also expressed the players’ determination to claim maximum points, while Moses Simon assured supporters that the team would give its best on the pitch.
Nigeria, however, will approach the encounter without Victor Osimhen, who withdrew from the squad after suffering a right adductor muscle strain.
Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up to replace the Galatasaray striker for the two AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle Blends Experience With New Faces
Coach Éric Chelle will rely on a blend of established players and new faces as Nigeria begin their qualification campaign. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon are among the experienced players in the squad.
Chelle has also handed first senior invitations to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and Ilenikhena, with the trio among the players given an opportunity to make their mark at senior international level.
Read also:
- Maduka Okoye Misses Super Eagles Training Ahead of Madagascar AFCON Qualifier
- Chelle Names Osimhen, Ndidi, Lookman, 21 Others For AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
- Falconets’ World Cup Exit: Another Major Reason For NFF Urgent Reform
Final Preparations In Uyo
The Super Eagles have been training in Akwa Ibom ahead of the encounter, with 23 players reported in camp as preparations entered their final stages.
Nigeria will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on Tuesday, September 29, with the match also scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Full match previews and team news for the qualifier are being tracked by the Confederation of African Football.
For more updates on the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, follow us on X.
