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John Obi Mikel, Daniel Akpeyi and William Troost-Ekong in action for the Super Eagles. Copyright: Imago |
The Super Eagles have opened camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, and are set for their first full training session under head coach Éric Chelle on Tuesday as preparations intensify for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Around 20 players were already in camp by Monday, with the squad gradually assembling at their base ahead of the Group L opener at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Notable early arrivals include Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare. Newer or less-familiar faces such as goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defenders Isaac James and Chibuike Nwaiwu have also reported.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were expected to join later on Tuesday, giving Chelle a stronger group for the opening session.
Osimhen ruled out; Awoniyi recalled
Victor Osimhen will miss the international window after a muscle (adductor/groin-area) injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray. Recovery has been slower than hoped, leading to his withdrawal. Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement—his first Super Eagles involvement in roughly two years. This shifts the attacking picture, with Lookman, Simon, Adams, Arokodare, and others available for Chelle to assess.
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Team photo of the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Copyright: ImagoxLuisxLoureirox |
Why this session matters
This is Chelle’s first proper opportunity to work with the bulk of his senior squad in a competitive window. The French-Malian coach (born 1977 in Côte d’Ivoire, previously in charge of Mali and with experience in French lower leagues and Algeria) took over the Super Eagles in early 2025. He has emphasized organization and tactical discipline.
The opening 15 minutes of Tuesday’s session are open to media, offering the first public look at the group. Players are also scheduled for media activities on Wednesday.
Nigeria host Madagascar on Friday, 25 September, then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on 29 September. A strong start is important in Group L (which also includes co-hosts Tanzania, already qualified for the 2027 finals).
Head-to-head context
Nigeria hold the historical edge against Madagascar (three wins, one draw, one loss in senior meetings). The most recent competitive encounter was Madagascar’s 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt—a result that still serves as a cautionary note about underestimating the Barea. Earlier qualifier meetings in the 2000s and 2010s generally favored the Super Eagles.
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| Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle. Photo by Icon Sport |
What to watch in training and the match
• How Chelle organises the attack without Osimhen.
• Integration of newer call-ups and the form of Premier League-based players (Iwobi, Aina, Bassey, etc.).
• Defensive shape and set-piece work, areas where consistency has sometimes been an issue.
• Goalkeeping options with Nwabali and Okonkwo both in the mix.
Live / ongoing coverage
We will provide updates from the open portion of training and any official statements. Check back here or follow our channels for player quotes, formation notes, and injury updates as they become available. Full media access on Wednesday should yield more insight into Chelle’s thinking.
Nigeria’s path to the 2027 AFCON (hosted across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) begins in earnest this week. A positive result against Madagascar would set a strong tone before the trip to Guinea-Bissau.
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