AFCON qualifiers: Injured Osimhen in as Ilenikhena gets first call-up

Despite sustaining an injury that has kept him out for two weeks, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international window, while Saudi-based forward George Ilenikhena has also earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle drew up two separate squads for the window, which will also see Nigeria face Russia in an international friendly in Novgorod.

The three-time African champions will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

For the Super Eagles’ first competitive assignment since the last AFCON in Morocco, Chelle named captain Wilfred Ndidi, Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, as well as forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in his 24-man squad.

The coach also called up goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

England-based defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the fold, while Unity Cup revelations Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu will compete for places alongside the more established names.

Ilenikhena, Moses Usor and Portugal-based defender Isaac James have also been handed their first call-ups to the senior national team.

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Ilenikhena committed his future to Nigeria after featuring for France at the youth level.

Meanwhile, the Russia friendly will provide Chelle with an opportunity to test more fresh legs while blending them with some of the established players.

Chelle also released his 24-man squad for the friendly against Russia at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6.

The squad will be led by Ndidi, with experienced players including Simon, Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Benjamin Fredricks, Raphael Onyedika and Akor Adams also included.

In-form Bursaspor forward Kelechi Iheanacho returns to the national team, while Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata and Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke have also been handed call-ups.

FC Baník Ostrava forward Abdullahi Bewene, who impressed on his previous appearance, also retains his place.

Finland-based goalkeeper Samuel James and Switzerland-based defender Victory Akpe are among the fresh faces, alongside Isaac James of Alverca in Portugal, Fulham’s Chibuzo Nwoko, Stephen Michael of Vendsyssel FF in Denmark, Igor Wilfred of Kristiansund FC in Norway, Ridwan Abdulrasaq of Al Wasl in the UAE, Suleiman Mubarak of Slavia Prague in Czechia, Aderemi Adeoye of Ikorodu City, Peter Edokpolor of SL Benfica in Portugal, Abubakar Umar of FC Famalicao in Portugal and Abdullahi Umar of Hradec Kralove in Czechia.