Nigeria will face Madagascar in their AFCON 2027 qualifier on Friday without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been forced to withdraw from the squad with a muscle strain.
Eric Chelle had named the Galatasaray forward, comfortably the Super Eagles' top active scorer, in his squad, but Osimhen's injury has opened the door for Coventry's Taiwo Awoniyi to join up in his place.
Setback for Chelle's side
It is a considerable setback for Chelle's team as they look to bounce back from disappointment at AFCON 2025 and their failure to qualify for this summer's World Cup.
There is positive news, however, with Chelle naming a strong squad built around a core of experienced Premier League talents, including one fresh face 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, it remains to be seen whether Chelle will hand the Wrexham loanee his third cap or stick with the tried and true Stanley Nwabali.
Striker decision and Fulham flavour
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 Samuel 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 line-up and match details
Predicted Nigeria XI vs Madagascar: Okonkwo, Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Fredricks, Ndidi, F. Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Arokodare.
Unavailable: Osimhen.
The match takes place at 5pm BST on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
