Last updated: 23 September 2026
This is the current Super Eagles squad: the 24 players Eric Chelle named on 17 September 2026 for Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar on Friday, 25 September, and Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September. Victor Osimhen has since been ruled out injured and replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi. We update this page every time a new Nigeria squad is announced.
Who is in the current Super Eagles squad?
The current Nigeria squad has three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards, as published by Vanguard when the squad was announced.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, Arthur Okonkwo
Defenders: Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (captain), Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor, Taiwo Awoniyi (replaced the injured Victor Osimhen)
For the story behind the selection, including Nwabali’s recall, read our squad announcement report.
Why is Victor Osimhen not in the Nigeria squad?
Osimhen was named in the original squad but strained his right thigh playing for Galatasaray on 20 September and has been ruled out of both qualifiers, as CAF reported. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was called up to replace him. Osimhen’s availability for October is still unclear.
Who are the Super Eagles’ key players?
The spine of the team is built on experienced European-based players:
- Wilfred Ndidi, the captain, who anchors midfield.
- Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid), Nigeria’s most dangerous attacker; see our report on his role under Simeone.
- Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey (both Fulham), the senior Premier League pair; Iwobi recently reached 100 Premier League games for three different clubs.
- Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka (both Coventry City), reunited in the Premier League.
- Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), recalled in goal, with Arthur Okonkwo pushing him; read about the goalkeeper battle.
Who is the Super Eagles coach?
Eric Chelle is the head coach of the Super Eagles. He picks separate squads for competitive qualifiers and friendlies, so the team for a friendly can look very different from the one for a qualifier.
Who is in the Super Eagles squad for the Russia friendly?
Chelle named a separate, more experimental squad for the friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod on 6 October. It includes uncapped players such as goalkeeper Samuel James and defender Victory Akpe, who are not in the qualifiers squad above. See our Nigeria vs Russia friendly coverage for that squad.
When do the Super Eagles play next?
Nigeria host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, 25 September, at 5pm WAT, then play Guinea-Bissau away on Tuesday, 29 September. Only one of Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau can qualify from Group L, because Tanzania are already in as co-hosts. Read our Nigeria vs Madagascar preview, our prediction and the Guinea-Bissau preview, or see every date on our Super Eagles fixtures page.
For everything else on the national team, visit our Super Eagles hub or the list of Super Eagles all-time top scorers.
Frequently asked questions
How many players are in the Super Eagles squad?
The current squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers has 24 players: three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards.
Is Osimhen in the Super Eagles squad?
No. Victor Osimhen was named but has been ruled out of the September qualifiers with a thigh strain, and Taiwo Awoniyi has replaced him.
Who is the captain of the Super Eagles?
Wilfred Ndidi is the Super Eagles captain.
Who is Nigeria’s goalkeeper?
Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo are the three goalkeepers in the current squad, with Nwabali recalled for these qualifiers.
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