Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named two separate 24-man squads for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, and a subsequent international friendly against Russia.
The Nigeria Football Federation released the squad lists on Thursday, marking the beginning of Nigeria’s campaign to reach the tournament in East Africa.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September. Nigeria then travel to Bissau for a matchday two encounter against Guinea-Bissau four days later on Tuesday, 29 September. The Super Eagles will then face Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, 6 October in an international friendly.
These fixtures are Nigeria’s first competitive matches since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The qualifiers is the start of a new chapter for Chelle’s side as they bid to reach the 2027 tournament.
AFCON qualifiers squad
Chelle has selected a strong squad for the two competitive fixtures. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon headline the 24-man list.
Osimhen’s inclusion comes despite the Galatasaray striker missing about two weeks through injury. His fitness will be closely monitored when the team begins preparations.
The goalkeeping department features Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali. The defence includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina.
Ola Aina makes his return after missing recent international action. Benjamin Fredricks is back after recovering from an injury layoff. Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu retain their places after impressing during the Unity Cup.
The midfield comprises Ndidi, Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka. The forward line includes Simon, Osimhen, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
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Three first-time call-ups
Chelle has handed first senior call-ups to three players. Portugal-based defender Isaac James receives his first invitation. Forwards George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor also earn their maiden call-ups.
Ilenikhena, who plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, previously represented France at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria.
Usor, who plays for LASK in Austria, has impressed with his performances in the Austrian Bundesliga. Their inclusion shows Chelle’s willingness to explore new attacking options.
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Russia friendly: A different squad
For the Russia friendly, Chelle has selected a different squad aimed at giving other players an opportunity to feature.
The goalkeeping trio comprises Chibuzor Atata, Samuel James and Stanley Nwabali. Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the fold, alongside Popoola Abdulrasaq and several less-established players.
The defensive options include Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Victory Akpe, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Abdullahi Bewane.
The midfield features Ndidi, Onyedika, Chibuzo Nwoko, Michael Fumen, Georges Wilfred, Popoola Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Jacob Adeoye.
The forwards are Iheanacho, Edokpolor Peter, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Umar Abubakar and Abdullahi Uma.
Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe will enter the Nigeria senior team camp for the first time. The match will be Nigeria’s second meeting with Russia in 16 months, following a 1-1 draw in Moscow in June 2025.
The separate selections give Chelle two distinct groups. One is built for the intensity of competitive AFCON qualifiers. The other givs players opportunities for newer faces to stake their claim.
Nigeria will expect a strong start in Uyo before a tricky away trip to Bissau. The Russia friendly provides a useful test against European opposition.
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