The Super Eagles camp in Uyo is filling up fast, with 20 players already through the doors ahead of Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar and only four big names still to land.
The Super Eagles camp Uyo build-up is well underway, with 20 players already checked in and Eric Chelle’s coaching staff overseeing the first training session at the team’s base ahead of Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar. Our editorial team has been tracking arrivals as Nigeria opens its campaign for continental redemption.
Familiar faces make up the bulk of the group already on the ground. Defenders Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel are in camp, alongside midfield engine Alex Iwobi and attacking options Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Taiwo Awoniyi. Younger call-ups have also settled in early, including George Ilenikhena and Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, one of two new dual-nationality additions integrating into the senior set-up this week.
As it stands, four established names are still to arrive: captain Wilfred Ndidi, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye. All four were expected in camp by Monday afternoon, meaning Chelle should have his full travelling group together well ahead of kickoff.
Nigeria hosts Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to Bissau four days later to face Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, 29 September. Both fixtures open Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, and a strong result at home in Uyo would settle nerves before the tougher away trip that follows.
As a result, the mood in camp matters as much as the eventual team sheet. A near-full squad training together for several days before kickoff gives Chelle time to work on shape and combinations, rather than rushing a matchday XI into place at the last minute — something previous Super Eagles camps have occasionally struggled with when European-based players arrived late.
One of the more interesting subplots heading into matchday is the goalkeeping picture. With Nwabali and Okoye both still travelling and Okonkwo already settled in camp, Chelle has a genuine selection decision to make once his senior shot-stoppers land — a call that could shape how Nigeria sets up defensively in Uyo.
For fans wanting the full squad breakdown before Friday, our Super Eagles 24-man squad preview covers Chelle’s selections in detail, while our Nigeria vs Madagascar preview breaks down the tactical picture for the Uyo qualifier itself.
With qualification for AFCON 2027 the clear priority, a settled camp and a clean bill of health heading into Friday is exactly the platform Nigeria needs. We’ll have full matchday squad coverage as it’s confirmed later this week.
Reporting via Pulse Sports Nigeria.
⚡ Ready to bet? Betwinner — 200% Bonus for new players. Read our Betwinner review or claim the offer now.
18+. New customers only. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.
