The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with 20 players currently in camp ahead of their opening Group C fixture against Madagascar on Friday.
Nigeria began assembling in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, with players arriving at the team’s base ahead of the encounter scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The squad is expected to hold its first training session on Tuesday, September 22, as head coach Eric Chelle begins putting his plans in place for the qualifying campaign. The first 15 minutes of the session will be open to members of the media.
Among those already in camp are Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Also present are midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka, alongside defenders Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Bruno Onyemaechi. Ademola Lookman and Tolu Arokodare complete the list of players currently with the squad.
However, goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are yet to join their teammates in camp.
Chelle initially named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but the team will begin the campaign without captain Victor Osimhen after the striker was ruled out through injury.
Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad as Osimhen’s replacement, giving Chelle another option in attack as Nigeria prepares to navigate the opening stages of the qualification process.
Madagascar have also arrived in Nigeria ahead of Friday’s meeting. The Barea landed on Monday afternoon and are expected to continue their preparations before travelling to Uyo for the Group C encounter.
The Super Eagles will be targeting a strong start when they take on Madagascar on Friday, with Guinea-Bissau next on their qualifying schedule.
