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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, while a separate squad has been selected for the October friendly against Russia.

Nigeria will begin its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.

The squad for the qualifiers features several established Super Eagles players, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze.

Osimhen has been included despite recently missing matches for Galatasaray because of a hamstring injury. His inclusion adds one of the team’s key attacking options to Chelle’s squad for the opening qualifiers.

Nwabali returns to the squad after missing Nigeria’s recent international assignments, while Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo have also been selected as goalkeeping options.

There are also several notable returns and new faces. Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the national team, while Portugal-based defender Isaac James, forward George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor have received their first senior call-ups.

The defensive options include Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Aina.

In midfield, Chelle has Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika available for the qualifying campaign.

The attacking department features Osimhen, Lookman, Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.

Chelle has also named a separate 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia on October 6. The Russia-bound squad includes a number of less-established players, alongside some experienced members of the national team.

Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the national team for the Russia fixture, while several other players have been handed opportunities to stake their claim for future Super Eagles assignments.

The separate selection means Chelle will have an opportunity to assess a wider group of players during the international window while Nigeria begins preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Madagascar is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on September 25 in Uyo, with the away fixture against Guinea-Bissau also scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on September 29.

The Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. The qualifying campaign will determine which team secures the available qualification place from the group.