Super Eagles Begin AFCON Preparations Ahead of Madagascar Clash
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 have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with the team’s camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, gradually filling up ahead of Friday’s opening qualifier against Madagascar.
The camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot Ekpene, opened on Monday, with England-based players including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi among the early arrivals, alongside goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Stanley Nwabali. By Tuesday, 20 players and members of the technical crew had arrived, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze among those still expected to join head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad.
Other players already 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 Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.
The squad is preparing without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, while the team’s first training session is scheduled for Tuesday evening at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The opening 15 minutes of the session will be accessible to the media and public, as Chelle begins tactical preparations for the encounter with Madagascar’s Barea.
Madagascar, Nigeria’s first opponent in the qualifying campaign, also arrived in Nigeria on Monday afternoon, landing in Lagos before travelling to Uyo. The Super Eagles are targeting a strong start at home before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus four days later, as they begin their push for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
The matches will mark Nigeria’s return to competitive action following their last outing against Portugal in an international friendly in June, with attention now turning to completing the squad and fine-tuning preparations for Friday’s encounter.