Super Eagles camp: 4 things you may have missed as Lookman, Ilenikhena, others arrive in Uyo

The Super Eagles have moved into the serious phase of their preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar, Afrik-Foot reports.

This development comes as 20 players are now in camp ahead of Eric Chelle’s first training session on Tuesday.

Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Here are four details that may have escaped attention.

The #SuperEagles Are Back 🏠. pic.twitter.com/Sz8tlyIR5Z

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 22, 2026

1. Chelle already has 20 Super Eagles players to work with

The arrival of Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, George Ilenikhena, among several others has taken the number of players in camp to 20, giving Chelle a strong group for his opening session.

The squad was initially named as 24 players, but Victor Osimhen was later ruled out because of injury and replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi. The Coventry City striker has also reported to camp.

That leaves 24 players in the updated group, meaning four players were still expected to complete the camp after the latest arrivals.

The numbers give Chelle enough bodies to begin tactical work rather than waiting for the full squad before putting his ideas into practice.

2. Four players are still expected

The camp is not yet completely full despite 20 players reporting.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze, and Maduka Okoye are the only other players still expected to arrive.

Chelle’s 24-man squad also contains several players who were handed opportunities in this international window, including Portugal-based defender Isaac James and forwards Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.

James, Ilenikhena and Usor are all seeking their first senior appearances for Nigeria.

3. England provides a major chunk of the early arrivals

The Premier League and English football have supplied a sizeable part of the group already in Nigeria.

Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Arthur Okonkwo were among the England-based players who arrived together and were pictured after reaching camp.

Their presence gives Chelle experience across defence, midfield and goalkeeping before the first competitive match of the new AFCON campaign.

Other members of the squad are spread across clubs in countries including Portugal, Belgium, Italy, Turkey, France and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the overseas-based nature of the current Super Eagles group.

4. Chelle’s first session comes at 5pm

Chelle is scheduled to take his players through their first training session at 5pm on Tuesday as preparations accelerate in Akwa Ibom.

The Super Eagles’ camp is based in Ikot Ekpene, while the Madagascar match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The coach now has a chance to work directly with the players on his tactical plans before Nigeria face Madagascar, a side that arrived in Uyo with a 28-man delegation on Monday.

Nigeria’s Group L campaign starts on Friday, with Guinea-Bissau waiting in Morocco four days later.