The Super Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with 23 players taking part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
Head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants oversaw the session as the players stepped up their preparations for Friday’s opening Group L fixture against Madagascar.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to arrive in camp, with the rest of the 24-man squad already in Uyo ahead of the encounter with the Barea.
The team’s camp officially opened on Monday, but most of the players arrived on Tuesday before the evening training session.
Among the early arrivals were Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi and first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena.
Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu were also present, alongside established players including Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, returning defender Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman and Bright Osayi-Samuel.
Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka were also part of the training session, while captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali later joined the group.
Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with Friday’s fixture marking the start of their qualifying campaign under Chelle.
Tanzania’s status as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON means they have already secured automatic qualification, leaving the highest-ranked team among the other three nations in the group to claim the remaining qualifying ticket.
The Super Eagles will, however, begin the campaign without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who withdrew from the squad as he continues his recovery from injury.
Awoniyi has returned to the squad, while Arokodare, Adams and Ilenikhena give Chelle additional attacking options for the opening fixtures.
Nigeria, who finished third at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L match on September 29.
