2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles Open Camp For Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau Ties

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 preparations begin 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 named Victor Osimhen in Chelle’s 24-man squad, but the Galatasaray striker has subsequently 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 his 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.

Chelle will still have several established attacking options at his disposal, 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. 

The Super Eagles’ camp is expected to build towards Friday’s opening qualifier before the team heads to Guinea-Bissau for the second Group L fixture on September 29.

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

Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 campaign comes after Chelle handed first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena in the original squad announcement.