The Super Eagles of Nigeria have stepped up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with their first training session in Uyo.
The session took place under the floodlights at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium training pitch, where head coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew put the players through their opening workout ahead of Friday’s clash with Madagascar.
Rather than a demanding tactical session, the evening programme was designed as a recovery workout, with the coaching staff mindful of the long travel hours and fatigue experienced by several players arriving into camp.
The players went through fitness and movement routines aimed at shaking off jet lag, loosening up and regaining sharpness. Agility ladders, cones and hurdles were used throughout the session, with exercises focused on coordination, balance, movement, footwork and overall physical readiness.
23 Players Take Part
A total of 23 players participated in the evening session as Chelle began working with the group ahead of the crucial AFCON qualifier.
Goalkeepers
- Arthur Okonkwo
- Stanley Nwabali
Defenders
- Isaac James
- Emmanuel Fernandez
- Benjamin Frederick
- Semi Ajayi Calvin
- Bassey Ola Aina
- Bright Osayi‑Samuel
- Chibuike Nwaiwu
- Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfielders
- Alex Iwobi
- Raphael Onyedika
- Frank Onyeka
- Wilfred Ndidi
Forwards
- Moses Simon
- Akor Adams
- Taiwo Awoniyi
- Moses Usor
- George Ilenikhena
- Ademola Lookman
- Tolu Arokodare
- Samuel Chukwueze
Watch the Video of of Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo and the goalkeepers trainer under the flood lights in Uyo, captured by Softfootball Media
With the initial recovery work completed, the intensity of preparations will increase on Wednesday, when Chelle and his staff begin focusing on tactical and technical details for the Madagascar match.
Nigeria face Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, marking the start of their journey towards AFCON 2027.
