Twenty Super Eagles players are in camp in Ikot Ekpene as Nigeria begins preparations for its 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Twenty players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as Nigeria begins preparations for its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Among the players already in camp are Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena.
Others are Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka complete the 20 players currently in camp.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe confirmed the development, saying preparations had commenced following the opening of camp.
“Camp opened today and preparations have commenced for the qualifiers,” Efoghe said.
The first training session is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, with the opening 15 minutes available to accredited media. Players are also expected to participate in media engagements at the team’s Ikot Ekpene base on Wednesday.
Nigeria will open its Group L qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The Nigeria Football Federation had earlier confirmed a 24-man squad for the two qualifiers. The list included captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze and other established players, alongside first-time senior invitees Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.
However, Victor Osimhen, who was initially included in the squad, has been ruled out of both qualifiers after the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that he is recovering from a muscle strain. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.
Nigeria is also scheduled to play Russia in an international friendly on October 6, with a separate squad selected for that fixture.
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