Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Trybal News reports.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi headlines the squad alongside key players including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.
Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are also included.
Chelle has also handed recalls or opportunities to several less-established players. England-based defender Benjamin Fredricks returns to the squad, while Unity Cup performers Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu are included among the goalkeepers and defenders.
Portugal-based defender Isaac James receives his first senior invitation, while forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor are also called up for the first time.
The squad combines established Super Eagles regulars with a number of emerging players as Nigeria begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Super Eagles squad
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka
Forwards: Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilhenikina, Moses Usor
Russia friendly also confirmed
Chelle has also named a separate 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on October 6 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium.
Ndidi, Nwabali, Moses Simon, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams are among the players selected.
The Russia squad also includes several players receiving their first senior-team invitation, including Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James, Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe and a number of midfielders and forwards.
The friendly will provide Chelle with another opportunity to assess emerging options ahead of Nigeria’s continued international programme.
