Nigeria's AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Squad: Chelle Hands Three Players Their First Super Eagles Call-Up
Photo: CAF
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has given first senior call-ups to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has largely kept faith with his established core for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but three uncapped players get their shot: goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and striker George Ilenikhena.
The Super Eagles begin their campaign against Madagascar on 25 September, before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later. A separate, younger squad is expected for the friendly against Russia on 6 October, allowing several senior regulars to rest.
Newcomers given their chance
Okonkwo joins returning goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye in a three-man goalkeeping group. Nwabali's return is a boost after a period out of the squad, while Okonkwo now has a real chance to establish himself.
Isaac James steps into defence at an opportune moment, with Zaidu Sanusi unavailable — opening a route to the left-back spot alongside the returning Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina.
Ilenikhena completes the trio, joining an attack already stacked with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
Osimhen leads a powerful attack
Osimhen remains the focal point, joined by Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams, giving Chelle multiple centre-forward options alongside the wide threat of Lookman, Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
Midfield is comparatively compact: captain Wilfred Ndidi is joined by Alexander Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyeka.
Notable absences
Several familiar names are missing — William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Raphael Onyedika and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru among the outfield players, while forwards Victor Boniface, Cyriel Dessers, Sadiq Umar, Nathan Tella, Terem Moffi and Taiwo Awoniyi have all missed out on this squad.
Full Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredericks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina
Midfielders: Alexander Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyeka
Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor
Following the Super Eagles' road to East Africa
Nigeria are drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau — only one of the three non-hosts joins Tanzania at the finals. If Nigeria get there, the Cantravu Experience Card is the easiest way to load spending money once for every experience across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Squad information sourced from CAF's official announcement, 18 September 2026.
Ready to book AFCON 2027?
Flights, hotel, match tickets, and transfers — all in one package.