23 Players Train in Uyo as Nigeria Opens New Qualification Campaign.
Enugu Media Village (EMV), the Most Updated Online News Platform | September 23, 2026.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have intensified preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with 23 players taking part in the team’s first training session ahead of Friday’s opening fixture against Madagascar.
Head Coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew commenced the tactical preparations in Uyo on Tuesday, September 22, as the players began working towards the Group L encounter scheduled for Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
The latest arrivals included captain Wilfred Ndidi, winger Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, bringing the number of players in camp to 23. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the remaining expected arrival from the 24-man squad initially selected for the qualifiers.
Awoniyi Returns as Osimhen Misses Opening Qualifiers
Nigeria will begin the qualification campaign without striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable because of injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad as his replacement.
Awoniyi will compete for a place in an attacking department that also includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena. The squad also features three players receiving their first senior call-ups under Chelle — goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena.
Nigeria Faces Crucial Group L Fixtures
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Because Tanzania is one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, it already has an automatic place at the tournament, meaning the qualification race within the group has particular significance for Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
After Friday’s home fixture against Madagascar, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for the second qualifying match on September 29.
The Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and are now beginning their campaign to reach the 2027 continental tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
With 23 players already training and only days available before the opening fixture, attention is now focused on Chelle’s tactical choices, squad combinations and Nigeria’s response to the absence of Osimhen.
Enugu Media Village (EMV) remains committed to providing timely sports updates and keeping Nigerians informed on the Super Eagles’ journey through the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.