AFCON 2027Q: Super Eagles Camp Bubbles As 20 Players Arrive For Madagascar Clash

The Super Eagles’ camp in Ikot Ekpene is beginning to bubble as 20 players and members of the technical crew have arrived ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Madagascar on Friday.

Head coach Éric Chelle and his backroom staff opened camp on Monday at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, with the bulk of the invited squad now in Akwa Ibom.

The team is expected to hold its first training session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Tuesday evening as preparations gather momentum for the encounter with the Barea.

The opening 15 minutes of the training session will be open to members of the media and public.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are expected to join the squad on Tuesday, with four players still due to arrive as Chelle looks to have his full complement available for the opening qualifier.

The players currently in camp are Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemeachi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

Nigeria will welcome Madagascar to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus next Tuesday.

Chelle’s side will be aiming to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign and put themselves in an advantageous position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

With most of the squad now assembled, attention will turn to tactical work and fine-tuning ahead of Friday’s encounter in Uyo.