Maduka Okoye yet to arrive as 23 players take part in first Super Eagles training session
Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze join 23 Super Eagles in Uyo as Nigeria prepare for Friday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar, while Okoye is absent.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with coach Éric Chelle overseeing the first training session in Uyo. Twenty-three players were reported to have taken part, including captain Wilfred Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, as Nigeria prepares to face Madagascar in Group L.
The main development is the continued absence of Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, who was the only member of Chelle’s selected squad yet to arrive in camp at the time of the report. His absence leaves Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo as the available goalkeeping options for the early training sessions.
Nigeria's opening qualifier against Madagascar is scheduled for September 25 in Uyo, followed by an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the two matches, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ndidi and Nwabali.