Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named captain Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali among 24 players invited for Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The three-time African champions will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face the Wild Dogs four days later.
Chelle has also recalled several established players, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are also included in the squad.
Aina and Brentford defender Benjamin Fredricks return to the national team setup, while goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defender Chibuike Nwaiwu have been handed opportunities to compete for places alongside more experienced players.
Portugal-based defender Isaac James receives his first Super Eagles invitation, while forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor are also set for their first call-ups.
24 Super Eagles for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, Netherlands); George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).
