Nigeria Unleashes AFCON 2027 Dream Team: Chelle Reveals Star-Studded Squad

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has officially announced a 24-man squad set to represent Nigeria in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header. This crucial period will see the team face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in quick succession, with both fixtures scheduled to be played within a tight four-day window.

The squad is headlined by several prominent names in Nigerian football, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, prolific forward Victor Osimhen, dynamic winger Ademola Lookman, midfield maestro Alex Iwobi, and experienced attacker Moses Simon. These key players are expected to lead the charge as Nigeria aims to secure maximum points from these vital qualifiers.

The first fixture will see Nigeria host Madagascar's national team, affectionately known as the Barea, at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. This highly anticipated home match is slated for Friday, 25 September. Following this, the Super Eagles will embark on an away trip to Bissau to challenge Guinea-Bissau, known as the Wild Dogs, on Tuesday, 29 September.

In the goalkeeping department, Stanley Nwabali has retained his place in the squad, having consistently demonstrated his capabilities. He will be joined by Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo, the latter a standout performer in recent Unity Cup tournaments, indicating a strong and competitive selection between the posts.

The defensive line sees the return of England-based Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks, bringing valuable experience and solidity. Other notable inclusions are Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, and Bruno Onyemaechi. Furthermore, Unity Cup revelations such as defender Chibuike Nwaiwu will vie for positions alongside these more established members. A significant addition is Portugal-based defender Isaac James, who receives his first Super Eagles call-up, marking a new phase in his international career.

The midfield boasts a blend of experience and talent, with captain Wilfred Ndidi anchoring the team alongside Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka, ensuring a robust and creative core. The attacking options are equally formidable, featuring the likes of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and Tolu Arokodare. The squad also introduces new blood in the attacking third, with George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor earning their maiden invitations to the national team.

Nigeria will be intensely focused on achieving maximum points from both fixtures as their qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, steadily gathers momentum. These matches are crucial steps towards securing their place in the prestigious continental tournament.

The full Super Eagles squad is as follows:Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor, Türkiye); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Türkiye); Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Türkiye); Akor Adams (Venezia, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax, Netherlands); George Ilenikhena (Al-Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK, Austria).