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15 clusters · 94 sources · 51 days · First seen · Last updated

Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON qualifying and squad tensions

Overview

Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, commenced their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar in Uyo. After Ehsan Kari scored for Madagascar in the 16th minute, debutant George Ilenikhena equalized during first-half stoppage time, followed by a 65th-minute winning goal from Moses Usor. Head coach Éric Sékou Chelle expressed satisfaction with the team’s “mental resilience,” despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen due to injury.

However, Nigeria’s qualification hopes were jeopardized by a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Group L. Goals from Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé, and Álvaro Djaló secured the victory for the hosts, marking Nigeria’s heaviest loss in AFCON qualifying history. Following this, the Super Eagles secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia in an international friendly, featuring a second-half comeback with goals from Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams.

Recent developments have intensified internal tensions. Players have reportedly expressed grievances over unpaid bonuses and unannounced reductions in allowances. Additional complaints involve poor welfare, inadequate travel arrangements, and dissatisfaction with pitch quality.

Furthermore, the federation faces a coaching dilemma as Chelle is currently assigned to both the senior Super Eagles and the U23 Olympic Eagles. Former Nigerian midfielders Ogenyi Onazi and Garba Lawal have criticized this dual role, citing significant scheduling conflicts during the November international window. With the Super Eagles set to play Tanzania and the Olympic Eagles facing DR Congo on November 13 and 17, Onazi argued that Chelle must focus exclusively on the senior team, while Lawal described the arrangement as a potential distraction that could compromise both squads.

Entities

Super Eagles · Éric Chelle · Nigeria · Nigeria national football team · Nigeria Football Federation

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Nigeria football figures criticize Eric Chelle dual coaching role

    Former Nigerian players Ogenyi Onazi and Garba Lawal have criticized the NFF for assigning Eric Chelle dual coaching roles for the Super Eagles and Olympic Eagles due to upcoming fixture clashes.

  2. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Nigeria faces coaching dilemma for upcoming AFCON qualifiers

    Coach Eric Chelle faces a scheduling conflict as Nigeria's senior Super Eagles and U23 Olympic Eagles have qualifying matches on the same days in November.

  3. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Nigeria Super Eagles face injury concerns and player welfare disputes

    Nigeria's Super Eagles face internal turmoil as coach Eric Chelle defends Victor Osimhen's injury-related call-up amid player complaints regarding unpaid bonuses and poor welfare from the NFF.

  4. [SPORTS] 4 sources
    Super Eagles secure 3-3 draw against Russia in international friendly

    Nigeria's Super Eagles staged a dramatic late comeback to draw 3-3 against Russia in an international friendly, with Akor Adams scoring a 94th-minute equalizer.

  5. [SPORTS] 24 sources
    Nigeria Super Eagles secure dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles staged a late comeback to draw 3-3 against Russia in an international friendly, while the Golden Eaglets prepare for the WAFU-B U-17 Championship in Burkina Faso.

  6. [SPORTS] 9 sources
    Super Eagles face scrutiny after 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau

    Nigeria's Super Eagles face a crisis in their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign following a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau, sparking warnings about complacency and the need for early dominance.

  7. [SPORTS] 29 sources
    Guinea-Bissau thrashes Nigeria 3-0 in AFCON qualifier

    Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria 3-0 in an AFCON 2027 qualifier, taking the lead in Group L and leaving the Super Eagles' qualification hopes in jeopardy.

  8. [SPORTS] 33 sources
    Guinea-Bissau defeats Nigeria 3-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifier

    Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria 3-0 in an AFCON 2027 qualifier, taking control of Group L and leaving the Super Eagles in a precarious position for qualification.

  9. [SPORTS] 11 sources
    Super Eagles secure AFCON qualifying win over Madagascar

    Nigeria's Super Eagles opened their 2027 AFCON qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Madagascar, fueled by debutant George Ilenikhena's goal. The team now prepares for a tough away match against Guinea-Bissau.

  10. [SPORTS] 51 sources
    Nigeria defeats Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 qualifier

    Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring the goals to complete a comeback victory.

  11. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    George Ilenikhena set for Super Eagles debut in AFCON qualifiers

    Striker George Ilenikhena is set to make his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers after being named a top rookie to watch by CAF.

  12. [SPORTS] 24 sources
    Nigeria prepares for AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar

    Nigeria's Super Eagles begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo, aiming for a decisive victory to secure their path in Group L.

  13. [SPORTS] 6 sources
    Nigeria Super Eagles issue 13 new senior player call-ups

    Nigeria Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has handed first senior call-ups to 13 players, including FC Basel defender Victory Akpe, ahead of AFCON qualifiers and a friendly against Russia.

  14. [SPORTS] 8 sources
    Nigeria names squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

    Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named a 24-man squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, featuring stars like Victor Osimhen and newcomers Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.

  15. [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Nigeria national football team prepares dual squads for AFCON and Russia friendly

    Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach Éric Sékou Chelle plans to field two different squads for upcoming AFCON qualifiers and a friendly against Russia as the team continues its rebuilding process.

Sources

aclsports.com · adomonline.com · africazine.com · afrikactus.com · ait.live · ajaxshowtime.com · bizwatchnigeria.ng · blueprint.ng · businessday.ng · businesselitesafrica.com · chale.news · chronicle.ng · completesports.com · completesportsnigeria.com · dailytrust.com · dailytrust.com.ng · football365.fr · footballinnigeria.com.ng · footballsierraleone.net · ghanaiantimes.com.gh · ghanamma.com · ghanasoccernet.com · gistmania.com · gistreel.com · gwg.ng · idomavoice.com · iroyinyorubatv.com.ng · jawapos.com · kapitalfm.gov.ng · kemifilani.ng · khelnow.com · kick442.com · koko.ng · lagostelevision.com · lexpress.mg · lindaikejisblog.com · mwnation.com · mynewsgh.com · mysportdab.com · naijanews.com · naijanewsfeeds.com · namibian.com.na · nannews.ng · nationalaccordnewspaper.com · nationalambassadorngr.com · newmail-ng.com · newscentral.africa · nigeriafootball.ng

This summary has been updated 40 times: see revision history