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The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has grown to 23 players following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria steps up preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
Ndidi and Chukwueze landed at Uyo’s Victor Attah International Airport at exactly 5.20pm on Tuesday, arriving from Lagos aboard an Ibom Air flight before joining the rest of Éric Chelle’s team.
His arrival followed that of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had earlier increased the number of players in the camp from 20 to 21 before the team went out for its first training session.
The initial 20 arrivals were Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank. Onyeka.
With Nwabali, Ndidi and Chukwueze subsequently reporting, Chelle now has 23 players available, giving the coach a near-full group as preparations gain momentum in Uyo.
Nigeria’s squad suffered a late change after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, prompting the withdrawal of Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.
The Coventry City striker is already in camp and will compete with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena among the centre-forward options.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before traveling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
After the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are under pressure to start their AFCON campaign on a positive note.
With 23 players now gathered in Uyo and training underway, Chelle can turn his attention to shaping the team he believes can take the first three points against Madagascar.
