Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures, handing maiden call-ups to George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, and Moses Usor. Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania and will kick off their schedule by hosting Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, followed by an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. These three fresh faces earned their selection following standout club performances and are eager to secure their first senior caps.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Born in Lagos, the 20-year-old forward has broken into the squad following an explosive start to the season with Al Ittihad. After starting his career at Amiens and developing with Royal Antwerp, Ilenikhena rose to prominence through his UEFA Champions League displays for Monaco before moving to Al Ittihad. Despite early fitness setbacks, he has hit top form this season with six goals and two assists in nine matches across all competitions. Having previously played for France at the youth level, he has switched his international allegiance to Nigeria. With both Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu sidelined by fitness issues, he stands in line for a potential debut later this month.

Isaac James

The 22-year-old has earned his first senior invitation as a left-back following impressive displays for Portuguese club Alverca. James has been brought in to bolster Chelle’s options on the left flank following Zaidu Sanusi’s injury. Beyond the AFCON qualifiers, he is also named in the squad for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on October 6, presenting another chance to make his international bow.

Moses Usor

Rounding out the trio is 24-year-old forward Moses Usor, who comes off a phenomenal 2025/26 campaign with Austrian side LASK. Usor played a central role as LASK clinched a historic domestic league and cup double while securing the club’s first-ever qualification for the Champions League. He will now look to channel that brilliant club form onto the international stage with the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has selected a 24-man roster for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group L qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, handing maiden call-ups to George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, and Moses Usor.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Super Eagles are set to host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before heading out to play Guinea-Bissau on September 29, sharing Group L alongside Tanzania. These three newcomers have earned their spots through stellar club performances and are aiming to secure their first senior caps.

George Ilenikhena

Born in Lagos, the 20-year-old forward has earned his selection following an explosive start to the season with Al Ittihad. After beginning his career with Amiens and developing at Royal Antwerp, Ilenikhena gained major traction at Monaco—shining notably in the UEFA Champions League—before moving to Al Ittihad earlier this year. Though early fitness setbacks slowed him down, he has bounced back with six goals and two assists in nine matches across all competitions. Having previously represented France at the youth level, he has officially switched his international allegiance to Nigeria. With both Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu facing fitness concerns, the youngster is in prime position to debut against Madagascar or Guinea-Bissau.

Isaac James

The 22-year-old left-back has secured his first senior invitation following standout performances for Portuguese side Alverca. James has emerged as a vital solution for coach Eric Chelle down the left flank following Zaidu Sanusi’s injury. Beyond the AFCON qualifiers, James is also named in the squad for Nigeria’s friendly against Russia on October 6, presenting another golden opportunity to earn his debut cap.

Moses Usor

Rounding out the trio of fresh faces is 24-year-old forward Moses Usor, who comes off the back of a sensational 2025/26 campaign with Austrian club LASK. Usor played an instrumental role in helping LASK clinch a historic domestic league and cup double, while also driving the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League qualification. He will now aim to translate that stellar club form onto the international stage with the Super Eagles.

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has emphasized the need for a “heightened sense of urgency” from the co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as they prepare to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This edition marks the tournament’s return to East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with matches scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Motsepe issued the call following his inspection tour of facilities in Tanzania and Kenya, where he visited the Kasarani Stadium and the new 60,000-capacity Talanta Stadium in Nairobi. He stressed that venues must be fully operational for test events by January, giving organizers a tight window to finalize remaining tasks.

While noting that commendable progress has been made, Motsepe pointed out that certain facilities still fall short of CAF’s world-class standards for infrastructure, hotels, roads, pitches, and stadiums. In Kenya, Kasarani Stadium continues to pose a significant worry following slow progress since February, with the playing surface, floodlights, broadcast cabling, and sky boxes still awaiting completion. Furthermore, security modifications for VIPs and heads of state have necessitated a redesign of parts of the stadium.

Despite these hurdles, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, has assured CAF that the country will ramp up efforts to finish all outstanding construction by December in order to host test matches. Motsepe is set to return in January for a final evaluation, and he firmly dismissed any rumors of a tournament postponement, expressing full confidence in the deep commitment of the host nations.