Nigeria’s Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with 23 players now involved in training ahead of Friday’s opening match in Uyo.
The team initially had 20 players in camp on Tuesday, September 22, before captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali joined the group. The first training session was subsequently held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Osimhen’s Absence Changes the Attack
The biggest talking point remains Victor Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The striker was ruled out of the September 25 match against Madagascar and the September 29 fixture against Guinea-Bissau after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray. The CAF report says Osimhen has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for Nigeria, making his absence a significant change for Eric Chelle’s attacking plans.
Taiwo Awoniyi has been brought into the squad as his replacement, giving Chelle another experienced option alongside Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and the other attacking players in camp.
This means the opening qualifier will provide an early test of how Nigeria’s attack functions without the player who has carried much of its recent goalscoring burden.
Madagascar Cannot Be Treated as an Easy Opener
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade has already warned the Super Eagles against underestimating the Barea, pointing to Madagascar’s previous 2-0 victory over Nigeria in an AFCON tournament. Nigeria also missed the 2026 World Cup, adding pressure for a strong start to this qualification campaign.
After Madagascar, the Super Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifier on September 29. The quick turnaround means Chelle will need to manage the squad carefully while finding a reliable attacking combination.
Familiar Referee for Nigeria’s Opener
CAF has appointed Chadian referee Alhadji Allaou Mahamat to officiate the Nigeria vs Madagascar match.
The 40-year-old official has already handled two Nigeria matches during the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Nigeria won both, beating Rwanda 1-0 and Lesotho 2-1.
With the squad now training together and the opening game only days away, attention is shifting from who is missing to how Chelle’s available players respond.
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