The Super Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Arthur Okonkwo and several Premier League-based players among the early arrivals in camp.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in their opening qualifier on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with head coach Éric Chelle hoping to start the campaign with a victory.
The Super Eagles camp officially opened on Monday, with Chelle arriving in Uyo as players began reporting for international duty.
Premier League contingent arrives
According to team media officer Promise Efoghe, the squad is based in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of the opening training session on Tuesday, September 22.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also among the players making their way to camp, sharing pictures from his journey on Monday morning.
Several members of Nigeria’s England-based contingent have already arrived, including Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka are expected to join them shortly, while the remaining members of the 24-man squad continue to make their way to Nigeria.
With most of the invited players based abroad, Chelle is expected to have the full group assembled by Tuesday.
Super Eagles seek strong start
Madagascar also arrived in Nigeria on Monday afternoon, landing in Lagos before travelling onwards to Uyo for Friday’s encounter.
The fixture represents Nigeria’s first competitive assignment since June, when the Super Eagles faced Portugal in an international friendly.
Chelle’s side will be looking to put their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup behind them by making a positive start to the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu are among the notable absentees from Chelle’s 24-man squad, leaving other attacking options with an opportunity to stake their claim.
After the Madagascar fixture, Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
