Taiwo Awoniyi has made a return to the Super Eagles for the first time since 2024, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.
The Nottingham Forest striker is among 20 players now in camp in Uyo as head coach Eric Chelle begins full tactical work for the Group C encounter.
Chelle Has Rich Attacking Options
Awoniyi bolsters a strong forward line that already includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena and Tolu Arokodare.
The group is expected to have its first full training session on Tuesday as Chelle fine-tunes his plans for the Barea challenge.
Midfield and Defence Taking Shape
In midfield, the coach will work with Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Emmanuel Fernandez.
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The defensive department currently has Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredericks and Moses Usor.
Goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James are the two shot-stoppers presently in camp.
Three More Expected
The Super Eagles are still expecting three key arrivals – captain Wilfred Ndidi, winger Samuel Chukwueze and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali – who are due to link up with the squad in the coming days.
Nigeria will host Madagascar on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in their opening fixture of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Full List: 20 Players Currently In Super Eagles Camp
- Moses Simon
- Akor Adams
- Taiwo Awoniyi
- George Ilenikhena
- Ademola Lookman
- Tolu Arokodare
- Alex Iwobi
- Emmanuel Fernandez
- Raphael Onyedika
- Frank Onyeka
- Chibuike Nwaiwu
- Calvin Bassey
- Semi Ajayi
- Bruno Onyemaechi
- Benjamin Fredericks
- Moses Usor
- Ola Aina
- Bright Osayi-Samuel
- Arthur Okonkwo (GK)
- Isaac James (GK)
Expected: Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Stanley Nwabali


