AFCON 2027 Race: Chelle Invites Ndidi, Osimhen, Iwobi, 21 Others for Madagascar, Guinea Bissau
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Madagascar and Guinea Bissau, Nigeria’s opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon headline the squad for the crucial fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will welcome Madagascar’s Barea to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face the Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.
Chelle has also recalled Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare for the qualifiers.
England-based defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the squad, while Unity Cup revelations Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu have also earned their places.
Portugal-based defender Isaac James receives his first senior invitation, while forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor also join the Super Eagles squad for the first time.
The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong start as they begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
24 Super Eagles for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, Netherlands); George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).
