AFCON 2027Q: Samuel Chukwueze and three key superstars expected as 20 players storm Super Eagles camp

• Marquee stars including Ballon d'Or nominee Ademola Lookman, playmaker Alex Iwobi, and newly invited wonderkid George Ilenikhena are already on the ground.

• Team captain Wilfred Ndidi, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are the only stars missing and are officially expected to arrive by noon.

The three-time African champions are deep in physical preparations to host Madagascar’s Barea this Friday, September 25, 2026, before flying out to face Guinea-Bissau.

The intense anxiety surrounding the national team has finally shifted into full-blown preparation mode.

The Super Eagles camp has witnessed a massive influx of arrivals, with 20 international stars successfully checking into their hotel rooms before the team's opening tactical sessions.

The early arrivals feature a strong mix of trusted veterans and highly anticipated new faces. Defensive rocks like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are already settled, alongside midfield engines Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika.

In-form attackers Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Akor Adams are also on the ground, ready to inject lethal firepower upfront.

Exciting new dual-nationality call-ups, including Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and teenage sensation George Ilenikhena, have also checked in to begin their integration into the senior national setup.

Despite the impressive turnout, Eric Chelle's tactical puzzle is not entirely complete. Four vital heavyweights are still making their way to camp but are officially expected to walk through the doors by noon today.

AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, standard number-one goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and team captain Wilfred Ndidi are the final arrivals needed to complete the 24-man squad.

Their slight delay hasn't dampened the mood in camp, as the 20 players on the ground are already gearing up for their first intense training drill under the watchful eyes of Chelle and his coaching staff.

With the double-header qualifiers against Madagascar's Barea and the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau just days away, there is absolutely zero margin for error.

The team is focused on wiping away the bitter memories of past competitive failures and launching their 2027 campaign on a flawless note.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, 25th September, before jetting out to Bissau for the second match on Tuesday, 29th September.

The energy in Uyo is electric, the squad is locked in, and the mission for continental dominance has officially begun.

• Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo

• Defenders: Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Isaac James

• Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka

• Forwards: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Tolu Arokodare