Ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which resume this September 2026, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have announced key additions to their squad as they prepare to face Madagascar on 23 September and Guinea‑Bissau on 27 September.
Arthur Okonkwo
Coach Eric Chelle has included Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers later this month.
Nigeria will host Madagascar on 25 September before travelling to face Guinea‑Bissau on 29 September. Okonkwo currently has two caps for Nigeria after making his debut during the Super Eagles’ Unity Cup triumph at The Valley in the summer of 2026.
Isaac James
Alverca left‑back Isaac James has received his first‑ever invitation to the Nigeria senior national team. The 22‑year‑old has been included in Eric Chelle’s provisional squad for the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau.
James has impressed with his performances for Alverca, with Chelle’s scouts monitoring him three times this season before his call‑up. He has already registered two assists in five appearances, earning recognition for his consistency.
George Ilenikhena
George Ilenikhena has been handed his first‑ever senior national team call‑up following his blistering start to the season in Saudi Arabia. The 20‑year‑old forward scored a brace in Al‑Ittihad’s 2–1 victory over Al‑Nassr, taking his tally to five goals in five appearances across all competitions.
Eric Chelle successfully convinced the striker, born in Nigeria but raised in France to commit his international future to the Super Eagles despite youth‑level interest from France. Ilenikhena is expected to add pace, energy and a goalscoring threat to Nigeria’s attack as Chelle begins shaping his squad for the AFCON qualifying campaign.
