Nigeria Squad: Eric Chelle Names Osimhen, Recalls Nwabali for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has named his squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles travel to face Madagascar on September 25 before hosting Guinea-Bissau four days later, with Chelle turning to a blend of established internationals, returning players and new faces.
Among the major selection headlines is the return of Stanley Nwabali, while Victor Osimhen has been included despite his ongoing recovery from injury.
Nwabali returns as Chelle rewards club form
Nwabali has been recalled after returning to regular action for Chippa United in the South African Premiership.
The goalkeeper has previously established himself as an important part of the Super Eagles setup, and his return gives Chelle another experienced option between the posts.
Nwabali joins Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye in the goalkeeping department.
Chelle has also brought Benjamin Frederick back into the squad, with the Brentford defender providing another option following Zaidu Sanusi’s injury.
The rest of the defensive group includes established names such as Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemachi.
Chelle sticks with familiar midfield
There are few surprises in midfield, where Chelle has maintained continuity.
Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika have all been selected as Nigeria prepare for two important qualifying fixtures.
The midfield group gives Chelle a combination of experience and different tactical options as the Super Eagles look to collect points on the road and at home.
Osimhen included as Nigeria welcome new attacking options
The biggest talking point in attack is the inclusion of Victor Osimhen, despite the striker continuing his recovery from injury.
His selection keeps Nigeria’s leading attacking threat firmly within Chelle’s plans as the Super Eagles navigate the AFCON qualifying campaign.
There are also opportunities for two new faces.
Saudi Arabia-based forward George Ilenikhena has received his maiden senior call-up, while Moses Usor has also been handed his first invitation to the national team.
Tolu Arokodare returns to the squad after making a strong start to his Eredivisie campaign, adding another option to an attacking unit that also includes Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Akor Adams.
Full Nigeria squad for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
Goalkeepers
- Arthur Okonkwo
- Stanley Nwabali
- Maduka Okoye
Defenders
- Ola Aina
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Bruno Onyemachi
- Isaac James
- Benjamin Frederick
- Emmanuel Fernandez
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi
- Calvin Bassey
- Chibuike Nwaiwu
Midfielders
- Alex Iwobi
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Frank Onyeka
- Raphael Onyedika
Forwards
- Ademola Lookman
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Moses Simon
- Akor Adams
- Victor Osimhen
- Tolu Arokodare
- George Ilenikhena
- Moses Usor
Super Eagles face crucial AFCON qualifiers
Nigeria’s matches against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 will be important fixtures in the Super Eagles’ pursuit of qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle has opted for a squad that combines established Super Eagles players with returning talent and two potential new attacking options.
The focus now shifts from selection to execution as Nigeria look to strengthen their position in the AFCON 2027 qualifying race.
