Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigeria Football Federation announced the squad Thursday, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali among the key names selected.
Osimhen’s inclusion comes despite the Galatasaray striker missing about two weeks because of an injury.
His fitness will therefore be closely watched when the team begins preparations for the qualifiers.
Chelle has also handed first senior call-ups to George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor and Portugal-based defender Isaac James. Ilenikhena, who plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, previously represented France at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria.
Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the squad, while Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu, who impressed during the Unity Cup, have retained their places.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on 25th of September before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Chelle has also named a separate 24-man squad for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on 6th of October in Nizhny Novgorod.
The list includes Kelechi Iheanacho and several less-established players, giving the coach an opportunity to assess more options.
The AFCON qualifiers will be Nigeria’s first competitive matches since the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
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