Head coach Éric Chelle has locked in his official 24-man Nigeria AFCON Qualifier, centering performance expectations around the Nigeria AFCON qualifier invited players stats across domestic and European competitions as the national team prepares for back-to-back qualifiers against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The central forward line undergoes a mandatory structural adjustment following the withdrawal of Galatasaray goalscorer Victor Osimhen due to a right adductor injury. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi joins the roster as his direct replacement, while dynamic forward Gift Orban remains excluded as administrative clearance procedures regarding his international eligibility remain pending.
The squad announcement highlights Nigeria’s preparations for the crucial fixtures, with attention on player performances, squad depth and the impact of Osimhen’s absence as the Super Eagles target positive results in both qualifiers.
Nigeria AFCON Qualifier: Awoniyi Joins Roster, Orban Omitted
According to ongoing tactical analysis by Reporters At Large, Awoniyi’s addition supplies needed physical leverage and central hold-up play in Chelle’s setup. Awoniyi enters the Uyo training camp having featured in three domestic league games for Coventry City during the 2026/27 season.
Concurrently, Gift Orban’s absence stems from administrative risk management. Allegations from Togolese football authorities claim Orban previously registered and played in a domestic African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier for Togo under an alternate identity. To eliminate any possibility of FIFA eligibility sanctions or forfeited points, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) opted to pause his invitations until documentation is completely cleared.
The attacking unit is led by Atlético Madrid winger Ademola Lookman (1 goal in 5 La Liga games), Ajax center-forward Tolu Arokodare (2 goals in 4 Eredivisie games), and Venezia striker Akor Adams (2 goals in 4 Serie A games).
Official 24-Man Super Eagles Roster & 2026/27 Season Stats
- Goalkeeper | Stanley Nwabali | Chippa United (RSA) | 4 Apps | 2 Clean Sheets |
- | Goalkeeper | Maduka Okoye | Udinese Calcio (ITA) | 4 Apps | 1 Clean Sheet |
- | Goalkeeper | Arthur Okonkwo | Charlton Athletic (ENG) | 5 Apps | 2 Clean Sheets |
- | Defender | Calvin Bassey | Fulham FC (ENG) | 4 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Benjamin Fredricks | Brentford FC (ENG) | 2 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Bruno Onyemaechi | Olympiakos (GRE) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Bright Osayi-Samuel | Birmingham City (ENG) | 4 Apps | 1 Assist |
- | Defender | Oluwasemilogo Ajayi | Hull City (ENG) | 5 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Emmanuel Fernandez | Glasgow Rangers (SCO) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Chibuike Nwaiwu | Trabzonspor FC (TUR) | 4 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Isaac James | Alverca FC (POR) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Defender | Olaoluwa Aina | Nottingham Forest (ENG) | 4 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Midfielder | Wilfred Ndidi (C) | Besiktas FC (TUR) | 4 Apps | 0 Goals |1 Assist |
- | Midfielder | Alex Iwobi | Fulham FC (ENG) | 4 Apps | 1 Goal | 1 Assist |
- | Midfielder | Raphael Onyedika | Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Midfielder | Frank Onyeka | Coventry City (ENG) | 4 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Forward | Taiwo Awoniyi | Coventry City (ENG) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Forward | Ademola Lookman | Atlético Madrid (ESP) | 5 Apps | 1 Goal |
- | Forward | Moses Simon | Paris FC (FRA) | 4 Apps | 1 Goal | 2 Assists |
- | Forward | Samuel Chukwueze | AC Milan (ITA) | 3 Apps | 0 Goals |
- | Forward | Akor Adams | Venezia FC (ITA) | 4 Apps | 2 Goals |
- | Forward | Tolu Arokodare | Ajax FC (NED) | 4 Apps | 2 Goals |
- | Forward | George Ilenikhena | Al-Ittihad (KSA) | 3 Apps | 1 Goal |
- | Forward | Moses Usor | LASK FC (AUT) | 4 Apps | 1 Goal |
Supper Eagles Arrivals!
Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Emmanuel Fernandez, Isaac James and Benjamin Frederick have all arrived in Uyo ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier against Madagascar.
With training camp active at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Chelle’s technical bench focuses strategic drills on squad balance and forward finishing efficiency to capture maximum points in Group L.
