Eagles kick off training for Madagascar match

The Super Eagles started their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar on Tuesday. Twenty-three players took part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, according to The PUNCH.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the last player expected to join the team. The rest of the squad is already in camp, training hard under head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants ahead of the match against the Barea on Friday.

Chelle named 24 players for Nigeria's opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will host the Barea in Uyo on Friday before heading to Bissau for their match with the Wild Dogs on Tuesday.

Although the team's camp officially opened on Monday, most players showed up on Tuesday for the evening training session. Early arrivals included Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, and Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi. They were joined by first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena, along with Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo, and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Others in camp include Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and returning defender Ola Aina. Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka also made their way to camp.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined the group just before the training session started. This leaves Okoye as the last expected arrival.

Friday’s match marks the start of a new AFCON qualifying campaign under Chelle. Nigeria is in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania automatically qualifies as a co-host of the 2027 tournament. This means only the highest-ranked team among the remaining sides in Group L will secure the qualifying ticket.

The Super Eagles will be missing Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for these opening matches. He withdrew from the squad to continue recovering from injury. Awoniyi has been recalled to the team, and Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena will also provide more options in attack.

Nigeria aims to build on their bronze medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they kick off their quest to return to the finals in 2027. After facing Madagascar on Friday, Nigeria will head to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L match on September 29.