The Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar, with Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze arriving in camp ahead of the crucial fixture.
Both players joined the squad in Uyo on Tuesday and immediately linked up with their teammates for training. Their arrival boosted the number of players in camp to 23, leaving Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye as the only invited player yet to report.
Head coach Eric Chelle supervised the team’s first full training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as preparations intensified for Friday’s Group L encounter against Madagascar. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was also among the latest arrivals.
Players who took part in the session included Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.
Reports indicate that Okoye was granted permission to attend to personal and family matters and is expected to join the squad before the Madagascar game.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later in their second qualifying match. The Super Eagles are under pressure to make a strong start as only one qualification spot is available in their group after co-host Tanzania secured automatic qualification.
With most of the squad now in camp and training underway, Chelle will be hoping his players can build momentum and begin their AFCON qualifying campaign with maximum points.
