Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has called up Taiwo Awoniyi as a replacement for injured striker Victor Osimhen ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen had initially been named in Chelle’s 24-man squad alongside Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze, but reports on Monday confirmed that Awoniyi had been drafted into the team following Osimhen’s withdrawal.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The change represents a significant adjustment to Chelle’s attacking options. Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s principal attacking players in recent years, while Awoniyi now has another opportunity to establish himself in the national team.
The Super Eagles camp is opening in Uyo, with Chelle and members of his technical staff already arriving ahead of the first fixture. Madagascar’s delegation has also arrived in Nigeria ahead of Friday’s encounter.
Three Newcomers Handed Opportunity
Before Osimhen’s withdrawal, Chelle had introduced three players to the senior squad for the first time — goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.
Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina also returned to the squad.
The opening fixtures form part of the first two matchdays of AFCON 2027 qualification. CAF says 48 nations are participating in the group phase, with 24 matches scheduled between September 24 and 26 during Matchday One.
For Nigeria, the immediate task is to begin the campaign strongly against Madagascar before turning attention to the away fixture against Guinea-Bissau.
Awoniyi’s late invitation gives Chelle an experienced central striker, but it also places greater responsibility on Nigeria’s other attacking players to compensate for Osimhen’s absence.
