The Super Eagles of Nigeria have intensified preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign ahead of their opening clash against Madagascar.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national team held its first training session on Tuesday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as head coach Éric Chelle began fine-tuning his squad for Friday’s encounter.
Twenty-three players took part in the session as the team stepped up preparations for the Group L fixture against the Barea of Madagascar.
The first 15 minutes of the training were open to members of the media and the public, while the remainder of the session was conducted behind closed doors as Chelle and his technical team worked on the tactical aspects of the game.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and winger Samuel Chukwueze joined the squad shortly before the training session, increasing the number of players available to the coach.
Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the only player still expected to arrive in camp as of Tuesday, according to reports.
The Super Eagles had opened camp in Ikot Ekpene on Monday, with players arriving from their respective clubs for the international assignment.
The squad includes established players such as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare, alongside several players receiving opportunities in the senior national team setup.
Chelle is preparing the team for a busy start to the qualifying campaign, with Nigeria scheduled to host 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 in their second qualifying fixture on September 29, leaving the coaching staff with limited time between the two matches.
Nigeria will enter the Madagascar encounter without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out through injury. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.
Madagascar have also arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday’s encounter, with the Barea expected to complete their preparations before facing the Super Eagles.
The match represents Nigeria’s first Group L fixture in the qualification race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Super Eagles are expected to continue training on Wednesday as Chelle works on his final tactical plans ahead of the Madagascar clash.
