Super Eagles Start Training for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

The Super Eagles have started their training camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. Twenty players are already on ground as they get ready for their first matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The players showed up at camp on Tuesday morning. Head coach Éric Chelle is set to lead the three-time African champions into their first competitive games of this new qualification journey.

Some of the forwards in camp include Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, and Tolu Arokodare. The defenders are Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, and Bruno Onyemaechi.

Midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka round out the 20 players currently in camp. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is also among the early arrivals.

Three more players are expected to arrive by noon. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali should join the team soon, according to reports.

The players' arrival marks the start of the Super Eagles' camp as they prepare for their Group L matches. Chelle and his coaching staff got to Uyo on Monday before heading to Ikot Ekpene, where the team is set up for this international window.

The coach plans to lead the first training session on Tuesday. The session will intensify as they prepare for the two qualifying matches. The first 15 minutes of the training will be open to the press.

Nigeria will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September. Four days later, the Super Eagles will head to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, 29 September.

The quick turnaround between these two games means Chelle has little time to prepare his squad for the start of the qualification campaign. Besides training, the players will also take part in media activities on Wednesday at their camp in Ikot Ekpene.

The Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Now, they are setting out to qualify for the 2027 tournament, which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.