Super eagles manager Eric Chelle today Thursday, 17 September 2026, has named his squad for the September AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September 2026 and Guinea‑Bissau on 29 September 2026.
A major surprise on the list is Victor Osimhen, who was injured during Galatasaray’s 3–2 win over Başakşehir on Friday, 4th September 2026.
Goalkeepers
- Arthur Okonkwo
- Maduka Okoye
- Stanley Nwabali
Defenders
- Bruno Onyemaechi
- Isaac James
- Benjamin Frederick
- Emmanuel Fernandez
- Oluwasemilogo Ajayi
- Calvin Bassey
- Chibuike Nwaiwu
- Bright Osayi‑Samuel
- Olaoluwa Aina
Midfielders
- Alexander Iwobi
- Frank Onyeka
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Raphael Onyeka
Forwards
- Ademola Lookman
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Moses Simon
- Akor Adams
- Victor Osimhen
- Tolu Arokodare
- George Ilenikhena
Key Squad Notes
Benjamin Frederick has been called back for both the AFCON qualifiers and the friendly against Russia in October.
Femi Azeez was removed from the list to allow him proper rest. Eric Chelle consulted Brighton’s medical team, and both parties agreed he should be left out as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury suffered on 15 August 2026 while playing for Millwall. He has committed his future to Nigeria and should return during the next international break if fully fit.
Stanley Nwabali returns to the national team for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and the Russia friendly, joining Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo in a three‑way battle for the number one spot.
Alhassan Yusuf was left out due to a hamstring injury.
Kelechi Iheanacho has been called back for the friendly against Russia in October.
Victor Osimhen Situation
Softfootball has been notified that Victor Osimhen has received a Super Eagles invitation despite still recovering from his groin/adductor injury. He was initially expected to miss 2–3 weeks, but Chelle has included him while closely monitoring his condition.
If Osimhen regains full fitness and passes the required tests, he will honour the invitation. If he fails to meet medical requirements, he will not report for national duty to avoid aggravating the injury.
The priority remains ensuring Osimhen returns to full fitness for both club and country, rather than rushing him back prematurely.
