FULL HOUSE AS EAGLES BEGIN TRAINING FOR MADAGASCAR CLASH

The Super Eagles on Tuesday began 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.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player still expected in camp, with the rest of the squad training under head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants ahead of Friday’s clash with Madagascar.

Chelle invited 24 players for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Eagles will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Bissau for their second fixture on September 29.

Most of the players arrived on Tuesday ahead of the evening training session, including Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, returning defender Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka were also present in camp.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali later joined the group before training, leaving Okoye as the final expected arrival.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania, as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, are automatically qualified, meaning only the highest-ranked team among the remaining three sides will secure the group’s qualification ticket.

The Eagles will begin the campaign without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who withdrew from the squad to continue his recovery from injury.

Awoniyi has returned to the squad, while Arokodare, Adams and Ilenikhena provide additional attacking options as Nigeria seek to build on their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

After Friday’s encounter with Madagascar, the Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.