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Nigeria Super Eagles AFCON qualifying and squad tensions

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2026-10-27 07:44 UTC → 2026-11-03 08:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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, with both squads~~ 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 ~~critical fixtures in mid-November.~~ 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.

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