Six Super Eagles Stars Arrive in Uyo as Madagascar Settle Ahead of AFCON 2027 Opener
Six Super Eagles players have arrived in Uyo as Nigeria step up preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Madagascar on Friday.
Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo were among the latest arrivals, with the players pictured enjoying dinner together after making their way into camp.
Their arrival further strengthens Éric Chelle’s squad as the Super Eagles continue preparations for the Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
The Nigeria Football Federation had included all six players in Chelle’s 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Aina is returning to the national team after being brought back into the fold, while Okonkwo is one of three goalkeepers selected for the fixtures.
Iwobi, meanwhile, remains one of the established figures in the squad, with the Fulham midfielder expected to provide experience and creativity in Chelle’s midfield. Bassey, Ajayi, Aina and Osayi-Samuel give the coach several options across the defensive line.
Madagascar Already in Uyo
While Nigeria’s squad continues to assemble, Madagascar’s Barea have already settled in Uyo ahead of Friday’s encounter.
The Malagasy delegation arrived in the Akwa Ibom capital on Monday, with reports putting the travelling party at 28 players and officials. The team touched down at Victor Attah International Airport before proceeding to its accommodation.
The early arrival gives Madagascar time to acclimatise and complete preparations before facing the three-time African champions.
The Barea will be hoping to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign against a Nigerian side beginning a new qualification cycle under Chelle.
Nigeria Begin AFCON 2027 Journey
Nigeria will host Madagascar on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau four days later to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on September 29.
Group L also contains Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON. Because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the finals, the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will secure the qualifying place available from the group.
That makes the opening double-header particularly important, with Nigeria facing two direct rivals within four days.
Osimhen Misses Opening Qualifiers
Chelle’s preparations have been affected by the absence of Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of both September qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray.
The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently called up Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi as Osimhen’s replacement.
Awoniyi returns to the Super Eagles setup for the first time since 2024 and now provides Chelle with another attacking option ahead of the Madagascar clash.
With the European-based contingent continuing to arrive and both teams now in Uyo, attention has shifted firmly to Friday’s opening battle.
The Super Eagles will be looking to begin their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals with a positive result on home soil, while Madagascar will aim to leave Uyo with points from their first Group L assignment.
