Nigeria's Super Eagles have begun preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar, with 23 players participating in the team's first training session in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The session took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, as head coach Eric Chelle stepped up preparations for Friday's Group L encounter.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the only invited player yet to report to camp when the session took place, leaving Chelle with almost his entire squad available three days before Nigeria's first qualifying match.

The Nigeria Football Federation had invited 24 players for the opening fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, the technical crew arranged a three-day training programme ahead of the Madagascar match, with the sessions beginning on Tuesday.

Efoghe explained that Okoye had been granted permission to attend to personal and family matters and was expected to join the squad on Thursday, September 24.

His absence from Tuesday's session was therefore an authorised late arrival rather than a reported disciplinary issue or withdrawal from the squad.

The goalkeeper's expected arrival comes just one day before Nigeria face Madagascar in their opening qualifying fixture.

The national team's camp officially opened on Monday, but most of the players arrived the following day before the first training session.

Among the early arrivals were Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

Defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi were also among the players who reported for international duty.

Newcomers George Ilenikhena, Isaac James and Arthur Okonkwo joined the squad alongside other invited players as Chelle began work on his preparations.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, winger Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were the final three players to join the group before Tuesday's training session.

Their arrival increased the number of players available to the coaching staff to 23, with Okoye remaining the only outstanding invitee.

The training session marked an important stage in Nigeria's preparations for the new qualifying campaign, particularly as the team must adjust its attacking options following Victor Osimhen's withdrawal.

The Galatasaray striker was initially named in Chelle's squad despite suffering a muscle injury during a Turkish league match against Başakşehir.

However, the Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday, September 20, that Osimhen would miss both September qualifiers as he continued his recovery.

His absence led to the recall of Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who is now among the attacking options available to Chelle.

The coach can also select from Lookman, Chukwueze, Simon, Adams, Arokodare and Ilenikhena as he considers his attacking combination for Friday's match.

Awoniyi's presence in training confirms that he has joined the squad following his recall, although the coaching staff has not announced whether he will start against Madagascar.

Chelle will also have decisions to make in goal, with Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo available during the initial training sessions while the team awaits Okoye's arrival.

The final starting lineup has not been announced.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.

The Super Eagles are drawn alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania in their qualifying group.

Tanzania have already secured qualification for the 2027 tournament as one of the three host nations, alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Under the qualifying arrangements, only the highest-placed team among the remaining three countries in Group L will secure the group's available qualification place.

The arrangement places additional importance on Nigeria's opening matches as the team begins its campaign for a place at the continental finals.

Madagascar, meanwhile, have named a 25-man squad for their opening qualifiers under coach Corentin Martins.

The visitors will arrive in Nigeria seeking to build on their recent performances, including their appearance in the final of the African Nations Championship.

For the Super Eagles, the immediate focus is completing preparations for Friday's match, integrating the available players and settling on an attacking combination in Osimhen's absence.

With 23 players already involved in training and Okoye expected to join the squad on Thursday, Chelle has nearly his entire invited group available as Nigeria prepare to begin their AFCON qualifying campaign.