SUPER EAGLES BEGIN AFCON QUALIFIERS PREPARATIONS IN UYO

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The team held its first training session on Tuesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with 23 players taking part under head coach Eric Chelle and his technical crew.  

The Super Eagles are preparing for their opening Group L qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second fixture on September 29.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were among the final players to join the squad, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is expected to arrive on Thursday after receiving permission to attend to personal matters.  

Nigeria’s squad includes Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Frank Onyeka, among others. Victor Osimhen is unavailable for the opening fixtures as he continues his recovery from injury.  

With Tanzania already qualified automatically as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will compete for the available qualifying place from Group L.