Twenty players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as Nigeria steps up preparations for its opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

The players reported to camp ahead of Nigeria’s Group L fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with head coach Éric Chelle and his technical team already in camp.

Those currently in camp include Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena.

Also present are goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka complete the group of 20 players who had arrived by Tuesday morning.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe said captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were expected to join the team around midday.

The first training session was scheduled for Tuesday, with the opening 15 minutes made available to accredited members of the media.

Nigeria will begin its qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.

The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, giving the team a short turnaround between the two fixtures.

Nigeria is also scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly on October 6.

The Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and are now preparing for the qualifying campaign for the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.