Osimhen, Lookman & 6 Super Eagles stars who must deliver in 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will later this month begin their adventure in the qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, September 23, before travelling to Morocco to play Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The stakes are higher because Nigeria are coming off a painful period. The Super Eagles missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing behind South Africa in their qualifying group and then losing the playoff to DR Congo on penalties. The AFCON campaign now offers Eric Chelle and his players a chance to start again, but the format makes every point important.

Nigeria are in Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Tanzania already have automatic qualification because they are one of the three hosts of the 2027 tournament. That means only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will qualify from the group.

That leaves Chelle with a clear task. His senior players must turn their club form into results for the national team.

Super Eagles stars Chelle could rely on

Victor Osimhen

If Nigeria need one player to decide matches, it is Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker has started the 2026-27 season at a remarkable rate, scoring five goals and providing two assists in his first three Süper Lig appearances. He scored against Göztepe on August 29 after also contributing to goals in his first two league games.

That form gives Chelle an obvious attacking reference point. Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk has also explained that his team are getting Osimhen into more dangerous positions and giving him more service in the penalty area.

Against Madagascar, Nigeria will need Osimhen’s goals and so much more. His movement can pull defenders away and create space for Lookman and the other attackers. Against Guinea-Bissau, his ability to attack crosses, run behind the defence and finish quickly could decide a tight match.

Ola Aina

Aina enters the qualifiers with a different responsibility. Nigeria need him to provide control on the right side while also giving the attack width.

The Nottingham Forest defender has started the new Premier League season strongly. He played 74 minutes against Leeds United and created three chances while completing three dribbles. He then played 86 minutes in Forest’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool last weekend.

His return is important after he missed part of last season with injury. Aina now has to bring his club confidence into the Super Eagles. His ability to defend one-on-one situations and move forward from wing-back could be especially useful if Madagascar sit deep in Uyo.

Ademola Lookman

Lookman has entered a new chapter after completing his first full preseason preparations with Atlético Madrid. The Nigeria international has already started all three of Atlético’s LaLiga matches this season and has scored once. He has played 235 minutes.

The Super Eagles need the version of Lookman who attacks defenders directly. His pace and ability to operate on either wing give the Super Eagles another way to break defensive lines. With Osimhen occupying central defenders, Lookman should have opportunities to attack from wide areas and cut inside.

Samuel Chukwueze

Chukwueze has a different question to answer. Can he turn a promising new role at AC Milan into consistent output for Nigeria?

He impressed during Milan’s pre-season win over Manchester United, scoring once and providing two assists in a 4-2 victory. New coach Rúben Amorim has also been using him in a wing-back role.

The early Serie A numbers are quieter but still impressive. Chukwueze started Milan’s first two league matches, played 180 minutes and supplied one assist without scoring.

Chelle can use his pace and crossing ability to stretch Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. But Chukwueze must also make better decisions in the final third. Nigeria cannot afford attacks that end with a rushed cross or a missed chance.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Awoniyi arrives in camp with something to prove after leaving Nottingham Forest for newly promoted Coventry City in August.

The move has already given him more responsibility. He scored and supplied an assist in his first start for Coventry, a 4-2 Carabao Cup win over Plymouth Argyle on August 25. He then played the full 90 minutes against Hull City four days later.

His league start has been less productive, with no goal in Coventry’s first two Premier League matches. Still, regular football is valuable for a striker who had limited opportunities at Forest last season.

Chelle can use Awoniyi’s strength, running and ability to hold up the ball when Nigeria need to change the rhythm of a game. He also gives the coach another option if Osimhen needs rest between the two September matches.

Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare may arrive in Nigeria with the strongest momentum of the six after Osimhen.

The 25-year-old joined Ajax on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer and quickly made an impression. He scored on his pre-season debut against FC Volendam, then produced a goal and an assist against Sion in the Conference League play-off.

He also scored his first Eredivisie goal in Ajax’s 4-0 win over Telstar on Sunday.

That gives Chelle a useful option. Arokodare is 1.97 metres tall and offers a physical presence that can trouble defenders. His recent scoring run also means he can enter the Madagascar game with confidence if Chelle needs a second striker or a late attacking option.

Nigeria cannot afford another slow start in a major qualifying campaign. Osimhen, Aina, Lookman, Chukwueze, Awoniyi and Arokodare all have different jobs, but their September performances could shape whether the Super Eagles take control of Group L or spend the rest of the campaign chasing the one available qualifying place.