Awoniyi, Lookman join 20-man Super Eagles camp for AFCON qualifiers
Taiwo Awoniyi and Ademola Lookman are among 20 players who have arrived in the Super Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
The players are in camp preparing for head coach Éric Chelle’s first training session as Nigeria begin preparations for their meetings with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
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Awoniyi was drafted into the squad after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, while Lookman is also among the notable early arrivals.
Twenty players already in camp
Several other key players have reported for duty, including Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina.
The current 20-man group comprises goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Bruno Onyemaechi make up the defenders.
Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka are the midfielders currently in camp.
The forwards include Simon, Adams, Awoniyi, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Lookman and Tolu Arokodare.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are expected to arrive around noon, taking the number in camp to 23.
Maduka Okoye is the only player from the 24-man squad whose arrival had not been covered in the latest camp update.
Nigeria begin AFCON qualification
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Chelle’s side will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, with Nigeria aiming to make a strong start to their qualification campaign.
The increasing number of players in camp gives Chelle the opportunity to begin working with most of his squad ahead of the opening fixture.