Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifier Preparations in Uyo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have started preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign ahead of Friday’s clash with Madagascar.
Head coach Eric Chelle held his first training session with the team on Tuesday, September 22, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Twenty-three players are currently in camp, with Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, captain Wilfred Ndidi and AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze among the latest arrivals.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only player yet to join the squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation named Nwabali, Okonkwo and Okoye as the three goalkeepers for the qualifiers.
Nwabali returns to the Super Eagles after missing Nigeria’s recent international assignments. He was the team’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 2025 AFCON, where he saved two penalties against Egypt as Nigeria finished with the bronze medal.
Okonkwo has also earned his place in the squad after his performances during Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign. The goalkeeper could make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau.
Okoye brings recent international experience, having started Nigeria’s two friendly matches against Poland and Portugal in June. He played the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Poland before featuring in the 2-1 defeat to Portugal.
The Udinese goalkeeper was in club action on Saturday, when his team suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Cagliari in Serie A.
Nigeria will face Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
