Ndidi, Chukwueze Join 23-Man Super Eagles Camp Ahead of Madagascar Clash

Posted : 23 September 2026

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze joined the team in camp. Their arrival took the number of players available to head coach Éric Chelle to 23 ahead of Friday’s Group L clash with Madagascar.

Ndidi and Chukwueze arrived at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on Tuesday evening before linking up with the rest of the squad. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also reported to camp, completing the latest wave of arrivals as the technical crew began full preparations for the opening fixture.

The first 20 players in camp included Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

With Ndidi, Chukwueze and Nwabali now available, Chelle has a larger group with which to work on his tactical plans. The coach is preparing the squad for two qualifiers in quick succession, with Nigeria hosting Madagascar before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Nigeria’s squad has also been affected by the absence of Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker was ruled out through injury after initially being named in the 24-man squad, with Taiwo Awoniyi subsequently recalled as his replacement. Awoniyi now provides another attacking option alongside Lookman, Simon, Adams, Arokodare, Usor and Ilenikhena.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. GMT, before Nigeria travel to Bissau for the September 29 meeting with Guinea-Bissau.

The qualifiers carry added importance because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. Tanzania are still participating in Group L, but only the highest-ranked team apart from the hosts will qualify from the group.

Nigeria therefore face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in a three-team battle for the available qualification place. The Super Eagles will also be seeking to put their recent disappointment from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign behind them as they begin the new continental qualification cycle.

Chelle now has limited time to settle his preferred lineup and tactical approach. With 23 players training in camp, the focus has shifted from arrivals to preparation for the opening encounter with Madagascar.

Ndidi, Chukwueze Join 23-Man Super Eagles Camp Ahead of Madagascar Clash

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