Nigeria name Victor Osimhen in 24-man squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has selected Victor Osimhen in a 24-man Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Malian coach will take charge of Nigeria later this month, beginning with the home fixture against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25. The Super Eagles will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen has been included despite recovering from an injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray. The squad also features the return of Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who last represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

There are first international call-ups for Saudi-based Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena and LASK [Austria] winger Moses Usor.

Chelle has chosen three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards as Nigeria begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 tournament.

The Super Eagles will be aiming to build on their bronze-medal finish at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco as they pursue a fourth continental title.

Nigeria squad

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye

Defenders: Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyeamachi, Isaac James, Benjamin Frederick, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika

Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor