AFCON 2025
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his squad for Nigeria’s opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The squad features established stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, alongside goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo.
Chelle has also included a strong defensive unit, with Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredericks all handed places, while Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare provide attacking depth alongside Osimhen up front.
Full Super Eagles Squad List
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredericks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina
Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Rapheal Onyeka
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilhenikina, Moses Usor
Nigeria were drawn alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania in Group L of the qualifying series for AFCON 2027, which will be jointly staged by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the “PAMOJA” banner.
The Super Eagles have a point to prove against Madagascar, who stunned Nigeria with a 2-0 win at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt, a result that still lingers in the minds of Nigerian fans heading into this qualifying opener.
Guinea-Bissau have also proven a stubborn opponent in recent years, having beaten Nigeria in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifying series before the Super Eagles responded with victory in the reverse fixture in Bissau.
Nigeria’s qualifying campaign will run across three international windows before concluding in March next year, with the top two teams in each group securing a place at next summer’s finals.
