Super Eagles Begin AFCON Qualifying Preparations as 20 Players Arrive Camp

Twenty players have reported to the Super Eagles camp in Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria begins preparations for its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Nigerian team opened camp in Ikot Ekpene on Monday ahead of its opening Group C qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The players started arriving at the team’s base on Monday, with the coaching crew beginning preparations for the crucial opening encounter.

The Super Eagles are expected to hold their first training session on Tuesday, September 22, as head coach Eric Chelle continues to fine-tune his squad.

The first 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training session will be open to members of the media, providing an opportunity to observe the players as they begin preparations for the Madagascar clash.

The 20 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 Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

However, goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are yet to arrive at the team’s camp.

Chelle had earlier named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad to replace injured captain and key forward Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen’s absence is expected to alter the team’s attacking options, with Chelle now set to rely on other forwards as the Super Eagles begin their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

The presence of players such as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena gives the coach several attacking options as he works on his plans for the opening qualifier.

Meanwhile, Madagascar have also arrived in Nigeria ahead of Friday’s encounter. The Barea landed on Monday afternoon and are expected to continue their preparations for the Group C fixture.

The Super Eagles will be looking to secure a positive result in Uyo as they begin their qualification campaign.

After the Madagascar fixture, Nigeria will turn its attention to Guinea-Bissau in its next qualifying assignment.

With both teams preparing for the opening encounter, attention is now focused on the final training sessions and team selections ahead of Friday’s match in Uyo.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

Koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep