Éric Chelle Leads Super Eagles in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Nigeria's Super Eagles are set to commence their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign under head coach Éric Chelle. The team will host Madagascar and then travel to Guinea-Bissau, with a friendly against Russia in Nizhny Novgorod following these matches.

Chelle has named a squad that includes several regulars, although Victor Osimhen, who is recovering from a right upper abductor strain, has been included for the qualifiers but will not participate in the friendly if fit. Should Osimhen be ruled out, George Ilhenikhena and Tolu Arokodare are expected to lead the attack.

The squad features a strong defensive core with players like Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Semi Ajayi. Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Chelle retains the confidence of Nigerian football authorities.

Nigeria is currently ranked in the mid-20s by FIFA and is considered the fourth-best team in Africa, with qualification for the AFCON seen as achievable.