The Super Eagles have officially opened camp in Uyo as preparations intensify for their AFCON 2027 qualifying opener against Madagascar. Nigeria will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, 25 September, with kick‑off set for 5:00pm Nigerian time.
Here are some photo’s gathered during their arrivals;
The fixture marks the beginning of Nigeria’s push to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with head coach Éric Chelle now leading full training sessions ahead of the crucial Group L encounter.
Osimhen Out, Awoniyi In
Victor Osimhen, initially named in the squad, has been ruled out of the September qualifiers as he continues recovering from a muscle injury. His withdrawal prompted the call‑up of Taiwo Awoniyi, who has now joined the team in Uyo.
Osimhen’s absence places added responsibility on Nigeria’s other forwards, including:
- Ademola Lookman
- Moses Simon
- Samuel Chukwueze
- Akor Adams
- Tolu Arokodare
- George Ilenikhena
- Awoniyi
How Chelle reshapes the attack will be one of the key storylines heading into Friday’s match.
Super Eagles Squad — AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
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
- Alex Iwobi
- Frank Onyeka
- Wilfred Ndidi
- Raphael Onyeka
Forwards
- Lookman
- Chukwueze
- Simon
- Adams
- Awoniyi
- Arokodare
- Ilenikhena
Match Details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Madagascar
Date: 25 September 2026
Time: 5:00pm
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
With camp now open, focus shifts to tactical sessions, fitness work and squad cohesion as Chelle prepares his team for the opening qualifier.
Nigeria will aim to begin their AFCON journey with a strong home performance before turning attention to their next Group L fixture.
Softfootball on the Ground in Uyo
Softfootball will be live in Uyo, providing:
- Matchday updates
- Stadium atmosphere
- Interviews
- Photographs
- Reactions
- Full match reports
From build‑up to the final whistle, Softfootball will follow the entire story from inside and around the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
