Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with the team’s training camp officially opening in Uyo on Monday, September 21, 2026. The national team is preparing for two important Group L fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as it begins its journey toward the tournament.
Head coach Eric Chelle and members of his technical team are expected to join the players at the team’s base, while footballers who had club commitments over the weekend are also scheduled to arrive. The 24-man squad will gradually come together in Uyo as preparations intensify ahead of Nigeria’s opening qualifier.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on Wednesday, September 23, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. After the home fixture, Nigeria will travel to Morocco for their second Group L match against Guinea-Bissau on Sunday, September 27. The two matches will serve as Nigeria’s opening assignments in the qualification series.
Nigeria has been grouped with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania in Group L. The qualifiers are being played ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
One of the major developments ahead of the qualifiers has been the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray forward was initially included in Chelle’s squad but was later ruled out after his club confirmed that he was not fit to report for international duty because of a thigh injury.
Chelle subsequently brought Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi into the squad as Osimhen’s replacement. Awoniyi is returning to the Super Eagles setup after a lengthy absence, having last represented Nigeria in October 2024 during the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign.
The forward has dealt with injury issues and limited opportunities in recent seasons, but his return to regular football has helped earn him another opportunity with the national team. He offers Chelle a physical presence in attack, movement around the box, and the ability to hold up the ball as Nigeria looks for alternatives in Osimhen’s absence.
Awoniyi’s return comes at an important stage for the Super Eagles, with the team facing two competitive fixtures within a short period. Nigeria will be hoping to make a positive start against Madagascar before immediately turning attention to the encounter with Guinea-Bissau.
The Nigeria Football Federation has also opened media accreditation for journalists and organisations intending to cover the qualifiers. Details concerning the team’s accommodation have not been officially confirmed, although the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Uyo, which has previously hosted the Super Eagles, is expected to be considered for the squad’s stay.
With camp now open, attention will turn to Chelle’s preparations, player fitness, and tactical plans ahead of Nigeria’s first Group L encounter against Madagascar in Uyo.
As Super Eagles takes on one of Africa’s most improved sides on the continent, Madagascar, it is important to take note that this will be the Super Eagle’s first game after the ongoing crisis that has hit the Nigeria Football Federation. Can the Super Eagles of Nigeria players stay above the off-field crisis Nigerian football is currently facing?
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