Nigeria recall Nwabali, Osimhen and Lookman for AFCON 2027

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is set to recall Stanley Nwabali, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September 2026. The Super Eagles will open their campaign at home to Madagascar in Uyo on September 23.

The return of the trio ends their absence from the national team since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Nwabali, striker Osimhen and forward Lookman were not involved with Nigeria after that tournament, but are now expected to feature as the qualifiers begin.

Right-back Ola Aina is also returning to the squad for the first time since last year. He suffered an injury that ruled him out of the Africa Cup of Nations, and his selection gives Chelle another experienced option in defence.

Chelle has chosen not to introduce any new player for this stage of the qualification campaign. The decision keeps the focus on returning regulars as Nigeria prepare for their first matches under the qualifying schedule.

Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament. The group matches will determine the Super Eagles’ route to the competition, which will be staged in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The opening round of qualifying matches is scheduled for September 21, 2026, before Nigeria face Madagascar two days later in Uyo. The Super Eagles will therefore start their campaign with four notable players returning to the international setup and no fresh addition to the squad.