Nigeria vs Madagascar: 5 Super Eagles selection battles Chelle must solve in camp

Twenty Super Eagles players have reported to camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, as Eric Chelle begins preparations for Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier against Madagascar, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria will face the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, with kick-off set for 16:00 GMT. The Super Eagles will then travel to Morocco for their second Group L match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Chelle named 24 players for the two matches, but one of the squad’s biggest names will not feature. Victor Osimhen was ruled out after suffering a muscle strain in Galatasaray’s match against Başakşehir, while the coach has brought in new options such as George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.

With the first training session scheduled in Ikot Ekpene, several positions now offer Chelle different combinations to consider.

Here are five selection battles to watch.

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Super Eagles selection battles

Goalkeeper: Nwabali, Okonkwo or Okoye?

Chelle has three goalkeepers in his squad: Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo and Maduka Okoye.

Nwabali brings the most Super Eagles experience of the three and has 34 senior international appearances. He was also recalled by Chelle after missing some of the coach’s previous selections.

Okonkwo offers a different story after receiving his first senior call-up following his performances in England. The 24-year-old Wrexham goalkeeper has two Nigeria caps and stands 1.98m tall.

Okoye gives Chelle another experienced option, having already played for Nigeria at senior level and currently representing Udinese in Italy. The competition gives Chelle three different profiles to assess during training.

The goalkeeper decision could therefore come down to international experience, recent club football and the qualities Chelle wants from the player starting attacks from the back.

Full-back: Aina, Osayi-Samuel, Onyemaechi or James?

Chelle’s defensive squad includes Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and first-time call-up Isaac James, among others.

Aina returns after being left out of recent squads and brings extensive Premier League experience with Nottingham Forest. He made 18 Premier League appearances in the 2025/26 season.

Osayi-Samuel offers another established option after his experience in English football and previous international appearances, while Onyemaechi remains the first-choice option at left-back.

James adds an interesting new element. The Alverca defender is receiving his first senior invitation after starting all six of his club’s league matches at the start of the campaign and providing two assists. Called up as replacement for the injured Zaidu Sanusi, James will be the back-up option for Onyemaechi.

Chelle therefore has a mixture of experience, versatility and a fresh option to assess before settling on his defensive combinations.

Midfield: Ndidi, Onyedika, Iwobi and Onyeka

The midfield group contains four established internationals: captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

Ndidi brings years of Premier League experience and has made 220 appearances in the competition. His main strength is defensive work in front of the back four.

Onyedika offers Chelle another defensive midfield option and has become an important player for Eintracht Frankfurt.

Iwobi gives the group a more creative dimension. The Fulham midfielder has 35 Premier League assists and has also developed into a player capable of operating in several midfield and attacking roles.

Onyeka adds energy and defensive work, giving Chelle another possible partner for a more attack-minded midfielder.

Chelle must decide how much ball-winning, creativity and forward movement he wants in the middle of the pitch.

Wings: Lookman, Chukwueze, Simon and Usor

Nigeria’s wide attacking options include Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and first-time senior invitee Moses Usor.

Lookman arrives with major European experience, having excelled at Atalanta, Atletico Madrid, RB Leipzig and Fulham among others.

Chukwueze offers direct running and one-on-one ability, while Simon provides experience, pace and the ability to deliver from wide areas.

Usor gives Chelle a younger option after earning his first senior call-up following his performances for LASK.

The formation Chelle chooses could change the battle completely because a system with two wide forwards creates different demands from one using a single winger behind the striker.

Striker: Awoniyi, Adams, Arokodare or Ilenikhena?

This is one of the clearest areas where Chelle must adjust after Osimhen’s withdrawal.

Chelle’s remaining options include Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena. The Malian tactician prefers a two-striker system, with the Osimhen – Adams pairing impressing at AFCON 2025.

Adams offers size, experience in a major European league and a deeper understanding of Chelle’s demands. That could give him an edge over the others.

But who would Chelle partner with him? Taiwo Awoniyi is quick, strong, mobile, and is used to taking on tough defenders in the Premier League.

Arokodare gives Nigeria another physically imposing centre-forward, while Ilenikhena offers a much younger profile after receiving his first senior call-up.

The choice could depend on the type of striker Chelle wants against Madagascar, whether that means a forward who attacks space, links play, competes physically with defenders or brings greater movement around the penalty area.

Chelle’s first sessions in Ikot Ekpene will give the coach a closer look at all four options before Nigeria face Madagascar on Friday.