The Super Eagles of Nigeria have commenced training for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations clash with Madagascar, scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
It is already a full house, with 23 players reporting to camp and taking part in the first training session on Tuesday evening in Uyo after the camp was opened on Monday.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player expected to join the camp, while the others are already shaping up for the tie under the leadership of Eric Chelle.
Head coach Chelle invited 24 players for the matchday one and two fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will lock horns with the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday before travelling for the Guinea-Bissau clash on Tuesday.
Although Victor Osimhen could not join the squad as his injury lingers beyond the expected recovery period, he has been replaced by Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who has already reunited with the team.
Among the early birds to camp were Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, as well as Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, returning defender Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka were also among those in camp.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali later joined the squad ahead of training, with Okoye now the only expected arrival.
Friday’s fixture marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign under Chelle, with Nigeria drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.
Tanzania have secured automatic qualification as one of the three co-host nations, meaning only the highest-ranked team from Group L will qualify.
