RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have intensified preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, with 23 players taking part in the team’s first training session in Uyo on Tuesday.
Head coach Éric Chelle supervised the session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as the three-time African champions stepped up preparations for Friday’s Group L encounter.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were among the players who joined their teammates for the session, leaving Maduka Okoye as the only invited player yet to arrive in camp.
Chelle worked with a squad combining established internationals and emerging players, including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka.
George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor and Chibuike Nwaiwu were also involved as they seek opportunities in the senior national team.
Taiwo Awoniyi was another notable presence following his return to the Super Eagles setup.
With the opening training session completed, Chelle is expected to use the remaining sessions to assess his options and fine-tune the team’s tactical approach ahead of the Madagascar encounter.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The two fixtures will open Nigeria’s qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
