Super Eagles Descend on Camp for Madagascar Showdown!
The Super Eagles camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, is buzzing with activity as Nigeria prepares to kick off its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday. Head coach Éric Chelle's squad, featuring several key arrivals, will hold its first training session as the team aims for a strong start in the race for the continental showpiece.
Nigeria's Super Eagles are in full swing with preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, as the team's camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, steadily fills up under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle. The camp, established at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, opened on Monday, with a significant number of invited players already in Akwa Ibom ahead of Friday’s crucial opening qualifier against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Among the early arrivals were a strong contingent of England-based players including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi. Goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Stanley Nwabali also joined the squad on Monday, sharing glimpses of their journey. According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the Super Eagles are based in Ikot Ekpene for their intensive build-up. By Tuesday, 20 players and members of the technical crew had arrived, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze among those still expected to complete Chelle's 24-man squad. Other notable players currently in camp include Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Ademola Lookman, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemeachi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka, despite the notable absences of key forwards Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to hold their first training session on Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The initial 15 minutes of this session will be open to members of the media and the public, offering a glimpse into the team's tactical preparations for the encounter with the Barea.
Madagascar, Nigeria’s first opponent in the qualifiers, also arrived in the country on Monday afternoon, landing in Lagos before travelling onwards to Uyo. Nigeria aims to kick off their AFCON qualifying bid with a strong home victory against Madagascar before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus four days later in Bissau. This marks the Super Eagles' return to competitive action after their last outing against Portugal in an international friendly in June, and the focus is clearly on securing an advantageous position in the race for the 2027 AFCON finals. With most of the squad now assembled, attention is now squarely on tactical work and fine-tuning ahead of Friday's significant encounter in Uyo.