The Super Eagles kicked off preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Tuesday, with 20 players already on ground in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the team’s first training session.
Nigeria’s camp opened at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene on Monday, with head coach Éric Chelle and his technical crew among the first to arrive. By Tuesday morning, 20 of the 24 invited players had reported for duty, setting the stage for the squad’s opening session at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Those already in camp include goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, alongside defenders Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Bruno Onyemaechi.
Midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka have also checked in, alongside a forward line built around Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Ademola Lookman and Tolu Arokodare.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye were still en route as of Tuesday, with the group expected to reach 23 or more once they land.
The first 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training will be open to the press, and the players are scheduled for media duties on Wednesday. Four days later, the Super Eagles travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, 29 September.
