Osimhen In, Aina Returns, Three Debuts As Chelle Unveils Afconq Squad

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for Nigeria's opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau on 25th and 29th of September respectively.

The list is led by Victor Osimhen, whose fitness is uncertain, while Ola Aina returns after a long spell away from the national team.

In this report, Positive NG Vibes highlights three major talking points from the announcement.

1. Osimhen's Injury Confusion 

Chelle has surprised many by naming Osimhen despite his injury, gambling on the striker's recovery in time for the two fixtures. 

The Galatasaray forward was hurt in his club's 3-2 win over Başakşehir on 4 September. He has since missed several of the Turkish side's matches.

Osimhen's condition will have to be monitored closely in camp. Fortunately, Chelle has options in Ademola Lookman Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are available if the reliable striker is not fit enough to start.

2. Three Newcomers Bring Fresh Blood

Forward Moses Usor, defender Isaac James and striker George Ilenikhena have all received maiden call-ups.

Ilenikhena had the option of representing France but recently committed his international future to Nigeria. The forward plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia and previously featured for France at youth level. His arrival adds another dimension to an already stacked frontline.

James, who plays in Portugal, is rewarded for a consistent run of club form that caught Chelle's attention. Meanwhile LASK forward Usor will compete with Akor Adams, Lookman and Simon Moses for a place at the front

It remains to be seen whether any of the trio gets minutes. 

3. Aina'sLong-AwaitedReturn

Perhaps the most welcome name on the list is Ola Aina. The Nottingham Forest defender has not featured for Nigeria since September 2025, when he went off after 10 minutes with a hamstring tear in the 1-1 World Cup qualifier draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein. 

The injury kept him out for 116 days and  ruled him out of AFCON 2025, and he was also left out of the March 2026 friendlies and the Unity Cup.

He has been impressive at right-sided centre-back for Forest, including in their 2-1 Premier League win over Aston Villa. Fellow defender Benjamin Fredricks also returns after almost a year out through injury.

With Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi also in the squad, the Eagles' defence looks deeper and more flexible than it has in a while.

Chelle has struck a balance between experience and fresh legs, and between caution and risk. The pressure will be on the Super Eagles to start the qualifying campaign strongly, and much will depend on Osimhen's recovery and how quickly the returning defenders regain their rhythm.

If the newcomers get their chance and the key players stay fit, Nigeria will have a good chance of taking maximum points from the two games.