Nigeria will not have Victor Osimhen available as they face Madagascar in an AFCON 2027 qualifier on Friday.
Eric Chelle had called up the Galatasaray man, comfortably the Super Eagles’ top active scorer, but he was forced to withdraw due to a muscle strain. Coventry’s Taiwo Awoniyi has joined up with the squad in his place.
It is a considerable setback for Chelle’s side as they get they look to bounce back from disappointment at AFCON 2025 and their failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup.
It is not all bad, though - Chelle has named a strong squad built around a core of experienced Premier League talents, with one fresh face in the side in the form of Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo.
Okonkwo was an England youth international but switched his allegiance to Nigeria in April, making his debut at the Unity Cup this summer. With more serious football on the bill in Uyo, though, it remains to be seen whether Chelle will hand the Wrexham loanee his third cap or stick with the tried and true Stanley Nwabali.
There is also a decision to be made up top in Osimhen’s absence, with Tolu Arokodare and Awoniyi both in the running. Arokodare has made a bright start to life on loan at Ajax, and will hope his two goals in five league appearances is enough for him to get the nod.
There will be a strong Fulham flavour to the side, with Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence, Alex Iwobi in the front four, and Sauel Chukwueze, who spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, starting on the wing.
Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi will comprise an experienced midfield, with Hull’s Semi Ajayi also returning to the side.
Predicted Nigeria XI vs Madagascar: Okonkwo, Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Fredricks, Ndidi, F. Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Arokodare
Unavailable: Osimhen
Time and date: 5pm BST on Friday, September 25, 2026
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
