Nigeria open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday without Victor Osimhen, as Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles host Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later, Footynaija.com reports.
The two games already carry extra weight. Tanzania sit in Group L with Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, but the Taifa Stars are already through as co-hosts of next year’s tournament with Kenya and Uganda. That leaves only one qualifying place for the other three sides. A slow start would put Nigeria in a tight corner early.
Chelle has kept much of the experienced group that finished third at the last AFCON and added a few new names as he starts the next cycle. His 24-man squad includes first senior call-ups, with Taiwo Awoniyi later brought in after Osimhen was ruled out.
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The Galatasaray striker picked up a muscle injury in Turkey and will miss both qualifiers. He has 35 goals in 52 games for Nigeria. That leaves Chelle without his main centre-forward for the opening double-header.
CAF flags Ilenikhena
George Ilenikhena has his first Super Eagles call-up at a time Nigeria need another option up front. CAF has also named him among 10 young players to watch in the first round of AFCON 2027 qualifying.
The Lagos-born forward is not there on age alone. He has already scored winning goals against Barcelona in the Champions League for two clubs, Royal Antwerp in 2023 and Monaco in 2024.
He moved to Saudi Arabia in February this year before earning his first senior invitation from Nigeria.
With Osimhen unavailable, Ilenikhena is one of the forwards Chelle can use as Nigeria chase early points in a group that will not forgive a poor start.
For a player still waiting on his Super Eagles debut, CAF putting him on that watch list gives Friday and Tuesday a little more edge. The chance is there. He now has to take it.
