Nigeria’s Super Eagles have commenced preparations in Uyo for their first two fixtures in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The national team has started assembling at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium ahead of a Group L double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Head coach Éric Chelle and members of his technical team are expected to join the players as the squad steps up preparations for the qualifiers.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to take on Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The Super Eagles will, however, be without striker Victor Osimhen for both matches. The Galatasaray forward, who was included in Chelle’s original 24-man squad, has been ruled out as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been brought into the squad as Osimhen’s replacement. His invitation marks his return to the national team after a two-year absence.
Awoniyi’s last appearance for Nigeria came during the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign, when he featured in the Super Eagles’ victory over Libya in Uyo.
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has several attacking options available for the opening qualifiers, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, midfielder Alex Iwobi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are also among the players expected to play key roles in the campaign.
The team will use the coming days to prepare for the Madagascar encounter before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second Group L fixture four days later.
The Nigeria Football Federation has also commenced the accreditation process for media organisations and journalists intending to cover the qualifying matches.
The upcoming campaign will also provide an opportunity for some of Chelle’s recent selections to make their mark, following the inclusion of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena in his initial squad announcement.
