By Teddy Nwanunobi
No fewer than 20 Super Eagles’ players have arrived at their camp ahead of their first training session in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday, as they begin preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The players have reported to the team’s camp in Ikot Ekpene as head coach, Éric Chelle, begins preparations for Nigeria’s opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25.
The Super Eagles will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture on September 29.
The 20 players currently in the camp are: Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, and Alex Iwobi.
Others are: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka.
As at the time of filing this report, three more players — captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali — were expected to join the squad, taking the number of players in camp to 23.
The three are part of Chelle’s original 24-man squad for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Nigeria’s preparations have been affected by the absence of Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of both qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because of a muscle injury. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
Awoniyi’s return provides Chelle with another attacking option alongside Lookman, Simon, Akor Adams and Arokodare.
The first training session is expected to give Chelle an opportunity to assess the condition of the players following their arrival from their respective clubs and begin tactical preparations for Friday’s encounter.
Madagascar have also arrived in Nigeria ahead of the fixture, adding urgency to preparations on both sides.
Chelle’s squad includes three players receiving their first senior Super Eagles call-ups — goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James, and forward George Ilenikhena — while several experienced players are expected to provide the leadership required for the opening qualifier.
Nigeria will be hoping to make a strong start to their Group L campaign as they begin their quest for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.