Nigeria will face Madagascar in an AFCON 2027 qualifier on Friday without their top active scorer, Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray striker has been forced to withdraw due to a muscle strain, with Coventry City’s Taiwo Awoniyi joining the squad as his replacement.
Squad Overview and Key Absences
Manager Eric Chelle’s side will be looking to recover from disappointment at AFCON 2025 and their failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup, according to a report from the London Evening Standard. Despite Osimhen’s significant absence, Chelle has named a strong squad built around a core of experienced Premier League talents.
The team will feature a strong Fulham connection, with Calvin Bassey in the heart of defence and Alex Iwobi in the front four. Samuel Chukwueze, who spent last season on loan at Craven Cottage, is also set to start on the wing. An experienced midfield duo of Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi will take central roles, with Hull City’s Semi Ajayi returning to the side.
New Talent and Tactical Decisions
Charlton Athletic’s Arthur Okonkwo, currently on loan at Wrexham, is a fresh face in the squad. An England youth international, Okonkwo switched his allegiance to Nigeria in April and made his debut at the Unity Cup this summer. For the qualifier in Uyo, it remains to be seen whether Chelle will hand Okonkwo his third cap or stick with the ‘tried and true’ Stanley Nwabali in goal.
Upfront, in Osimhen’s absence, a key decision needs to be made between Tolu Arokodare and Awoniyi. Arokodare has made a bright start to his loan spell at Ajax, scoring two goals in five league appearances.
Predicted Starting Line-up
The London Evening Standard predicts Nigeria’s starting XI against Madagascar for this Africa Cup of Nations Qualification match will be: Okonkwo, Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Fredricks, Ndidi, F. Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Arokodare.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is missing for Nigeria in the AFCON 2027 qualifier?
Nigeria’s top active scorer, Victor Osimhen, is out due to a muscle strain.
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Who has replaced Victor Osimhen in the squad?
Coventry City’s Taiwo Awoniyi has joined the squad as Osimhen’s replacement.
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Who is a new face in Nigeria’s squad for the qualifier?
Arthur Okonkwo, a Charlton Athletic player on loan at Wrexham and former England youth international, is a new addition.
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Who is predicted to start as striker for Nigeria in Osimhen’s absence?
The London Evening Standard predicts Tolu Arokodare will start up front.
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