Full house as Eagles begin training for Madagascar clash

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The Super Eagles on Tuesday began preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar, with 23 players taking part in their first training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, The PUNCH reports.

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Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the last player expected in camp, with the rest of the squad already slugging it out for shirts under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants ahead of Friday’s clash with the Barea.

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Chelle named 24 players for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with the Super Eagles hosting the Barea in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Bissau for Tuesday’s encounter with the Wild Dogs.

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Although the team’s camp officially opened on Monday, most of the players arrived on Tuesday ahead of the evening training session.

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The early arrivals included Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, first-time invitees Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, as well as Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

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Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, returning defender Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka were also among those in camp.

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Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali subsequently joined the group before the training session, leaving Okoye as the final expected arrival.

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Friday’s fixture marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign under Chelle, with Nigeria drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau.

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Because Tanzania are one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, they are automatically qualified, meaning only the highest-ranked team among the remaining sides in Group L will secure the group’s qualifying ticket.

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The Super Eagles will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for the opening fixtures after he withdrew from the squad to continue his recovery from injury.

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Awoniyi was recalled to the team, while Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena provide further options in attack.

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Nigeria will be looking to build on their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they begin their bid to return to the continental finals in 2027.

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After Friday’s clash with Madagascar, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.

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