Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has included Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's 24-man squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced the squad on Thursday, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon also selected.

Osimhen's inclusion comes despite recent concerns about his fitness after an injury kept him out of club action.

PUNCH reported that the Galatasaray striker had been sidelined for about two weeks before being named in the squad.

One of the most notable additions is Saudi Arabia-based forward George Ilenikhena, who has received his first senior Nigeria call-up.

Portugal-based defender Isaac James and LASK forward Moses Usor have also received their first senior invitations.

Goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali make up the three options in goal.

The defensive group includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Isaac James.

In midfield, Chelle selected Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

The forward options include Osimhen, Lookman, Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Ilenikhena and Usor.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.

The matches are Nigeria's first fixtures in the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign.

Nigeria are grouped with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and tournament co-host Tanzania.

Because Tanzania already qualify automatically as a host nation, the qualification structure places additional importance on Nigeria's results against the other teams competing for the available qualifying position.

Chelle has separately named another squad for an international friendly against Russia scheduled for October.

For now, attention will centre on Osimhen's fitness and whether the striker will be available to lead Nigeria's attack against Madagascar in Uyo.