• Iheanacho returns for friendly against Russia

Super Eagles’ Head Coach, Éric Chelle, has listed captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon in his 24-man roster for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, both within the next 12 days.

The Super Eagles host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on September 25, before flying to Bissau to take on the Wild Dogs in a Day 2 encounter on September 29.

Chelle has also called goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

England-based defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return to the fold, while Unity Cup revelations goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defender Chibuike Nwaiwu will battle for shirts with more established names.

Portugal-based defender Isaac James teams up with the three-time African champions for the first time, as do forwards George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor.

he players in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers are goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); and Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa). The defenders are Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); and Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), while the midfielders are Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); and Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).

In the attack are Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); George Ilhenikina (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); and Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria)