Chelle Names Super Eagles Squads for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers and Russia Friendly

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has unveiled two separate 24-man squads for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and an international friendly against Russia.

The Nigeria Football Federation released the lists on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Nigeria hosts Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The Super Eagles then play Russia in a friendly at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6.

For the AFCON qualifiers, Chelle retained key stars.

Goalkeepers are Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic), Maduka Okoye (Udinese) and Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United).

Defenders include Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James (first call-up), Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Olaoluwa Aina.

Midfield is anchored by captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

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

The Russia-bound squad features more rotation and new faces.

Goalkeepers are Michael Atata (Ikorodu City), Samuel James (SJK Finland) and Nwabali.

Defenders include Kenneth Igboke, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Victory Akpe, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Abdullahi Bewene.

Midfielders are Ndidi, Onyedika, Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael, Igor Wilfred, Ridwan Abdulrasaq, Suleiman Mubarak and Aderemi Adeoye.

Forwards comprise Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Peter Edokpolor, Abubakar Umar and Abdullahi Umar.

Several players appear in both squads, including Nwabali, Ndidi, Osayi-Samuel, Fredricks, Onyedika, Simon, Adams and Isaac James.

First-time senior call-ups for the Russia game include Finland-based James and Switzerland-based Akpe.

Chelle aims to secure a strong start in Group L qualifying while assessing emerging talent against European opposition.

The dual-squad approach keeps established players focused on competitive fixtures while giving younger options valuable experience. Nigeria last drew 1-1 with Russia in Moscow in June 2025.