20 players arrive in Super Eagles camp ahead of AFCON qualifiers

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The Super Eagles have commenced preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with 20 players already in camp ahead of Friday’s clash with Madagascar.

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Nigeria opened camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, as players began arriving at the team’s base ahead of the opening Group C qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

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The team’s first training session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, with the opening 15 minutes to be made available to members of the media.

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The 20 players currently in camp are Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

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However, goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are yet to arrive in camp.

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Head coach Eric Chelle named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with Nottingham Forest striker Awoniyi drafted into the squad to replace injured captain and talisman Victor Osimhen.

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Osimhen’s absence will leave Chelle with a different set of attacking options as the coach prepares his team for the start of the qualifying campaign.

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Madagascar have also arrived in Nigeria, touching down on Monday afternoon as the Barea stepped up preparations for Friday’s encounter.

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The Super Eagles will be hoping to begin their campaign with a positive result when they face Madagascar in Uyo before turning their attention to their next qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

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