Victor Osimhen included in Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2026

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, despite the striker currently recovering from an injury.

The Galatasaray forward has missed his club’s recent matches, but Chelle has retained him for the crucial international fixtures. Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on September 29.

The squad also sees the return of Benjamin Fredrick, who has been sidelined for several months following a knee injury. The Brentford defender previously established himself in the Super Eagles setup before his injury setback and is now back in contention under Chelle.

Tolu Arokodare has also returned to the squad, providing another attacking option alongside Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.

The squad includes three first-time senior call-ups:

Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena, while Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina are among the other notable returnees.

Nigeria's 24-man squad

Goalkeepers:

Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali

Defenders:

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

Midfielders:

Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika

Forwards:

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

Read the  Latest Sports News Today and  Get Fresh updates as they drop via  X and  Instagram