Super Eagles open camp in Uyo ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have opened camp in Uyo ahead of their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew are expected to join the early arrivals as the team begins preparations for the Group L double-header.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The Nigeria Football Federation had initially included Victor Osimhen in Chelle’s 24-man squad, but the Galatasaray striker has been ruled out of both matches as he continues his recovery from a muscle strain.

Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as Osimhen’s replacement, marking his return to the Super Eagles after a two-year absence.

Awoniyi last featured for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualifying victory over Libya in Uyo.

Read Also: FULL LIST: 13 new players get first Super Eagles call-Ups

Chelle still has several established attacking options available, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are also part of the squad for the qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will continue preparations in Uyo before facing Madagascar on Friday, with the team then scheduled to travel to Guinea-Bissau for the second Group L fixture on September 29.

Meanwhile, the NFF has opened media accreditation for journalists and media organisations seeking to cover the qualifying matches.

Chelle’s AFCON 2027 campaign also marks the beginning of a new chapter for several players, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena among those handed their first senior call-ups in the original squad announcement.

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