Victor Osimhen leads Nigeria’s 24-player squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar on 25 September and Guinea-Bissau four days later. Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze are among the established attacking options, while Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina return.
The most interesting selection story belongs to three first-time senior call-ups: goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena.
Competitive qualifiers offer fewer experimental minutes than a friendly, so training performance and tactical fit will matter immediately. Nigeria need a strong opening window, but the squad also has to build depth across a demanding international cycle.
The selection question is not only who starts against Madagascar; it is which newcomer can earn a lasting place in the rotation. Visual disclosure: AI-generated editorial illustration; not an official squad photograph.
