Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen headlines the Super Eagles squad for the opening round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.
Head Coach Éric Chelle has named the former African Footballer of the Year in his 24-man roster for the crucial double-header, putting an end to speculations over his fitness for the qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo on Friday, 25th September, before flying to Bissau to face the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on Tuesday, 29th September.
Chelle banks on experience for AFCON 2027 race
Coach Chelle has stuck with his core group for the AFCON 2027 race. Captain Wilfred Ndidi leads the squad that also includes goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
Also invited are goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.
Fresh faces and familiar returnees
England-based defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the fold after spells out, while Unity Cup revelation Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu will battle for shirts with more established names.
Portugal-based defender Isaac James gets a first call-up to the three-time African champions, alongside forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor, who will be looking to make their senior debuts.
FULL LIST: 24 SUPER EAGLES FOR BAREA & WILD DOGS
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England)
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria)
