Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The development was announced on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after Osimhen was withdrawn from the squad because he has not recovered sufficiently from a muscle injury. The Super Eagles are scheduled to begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.
Awoniyi’s late inclusion gives head coach Éric Chelle another experienced attacking option as Nigeria prepares for the two competitive fixtures.
Osimhen Ruled Out After Injury Setback
Osimhen had initially been included in Chelle’s 24-man squad announced on September 17, despite concerns over his fitness.
The Galatasaray forward had been dealing with an injury and was subsequently absent from his club’s squad for the Turkish Süper Lig match against Trabzonspor. Premium Times reported that the Nigeria international’s recovery had taken longer than initially expected, leading to his withdrawal from the Super Eagles squad.
The original squad announcement by the Nigeria Football Federation had placed Osimhen among the forwards selected for the September qualifiers, alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
His absence means Chelle must now adjust his attacking options ahead of Nigeria’s first two competitive matches in the new AFCON qualifying cycle.
Awoniyi Returns to the Super Eagles Setup
Awoniyi was not part of the 24-man squad initially announced for the qualifiers but has now been drafted into the team as Osimhen’s replacement.
The striker, who plays for Coventry City, brings previous international experience to the squad and has represented Nigeria at senior level.
His call-up also comes shortly after he reached another career milestone away from the pitch, graduating from the PFA Business School, according to Premium Times.
For Chelle, the immediate task will be integrating Awoniyi into preparations for the two qualifiers, with little time available before Nigeria faces Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifying Campaign
The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Four days later, Nigeria will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The fixtures form part of Nigeria’s Group L campaign in the qualification race for the 2027 AFCON. The tournament is scheduled to take place in East Africa, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda serving as hosts.
CAF confirmed that Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Madagascar will be played on September 25, followed by the away fixture against Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Pressure on Nigeria’s Other Forwards
Osimhen’s withdrawal puts additional attention on the other forwards available to Chelle.
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare remain among the attacking options selected for the qualifying campaign.
The squad was initially designed around a mixture of established international players and newcomers. Chelle also handed first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena when the original squad was announced.
Awoniyi’s arrival changes the composition of the attacking group and provides another player capable of operating as a central striker.
Why Osimhen’s Absence Matters
Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s most prominent attacking players in recent years, making his absence a significant change to Chelle’s plans.
However, Nigeria’s squad contains several alternative attacking options, meaning the team will not be without experienced forwards for the qualifiers.
The decision to bring in Awoniyi also gives the coaching staff an opportunity to use a striker with previous knowledge of the Super Eagles setup rather than relying exclusively on players with less international experience.
The extent of Awoniyi’s involvement will ultimately depend on Chelle’s tactical decisions and the striker’s integration into the team before the Madagascar match.
A Different Test for Chelle
The situation presents an early selection challenge for Chelle as he begins Nigeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 continental championship.
The coach had initially retained much of the core of the Super Eagles while introducing several new players. The Nigeria Football Federation said the original squad included established figures such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Stanley Nwabali, Lookman and Osimhen.
With Osimhen now unavailable, the coach will have to determine how best to structure the attack against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The two matches will also provide an early indication of how Nigeria can adapt when one of its leading forwards is unavailable.
What Happens Next
Nigeria will continue preparations for the Madagascar fixture in Uyo, with Awoniyi expected to join the squad following his late invitation.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Bissau for the September 29 encounter with Guinea-Bissau.
After the AFCON qualifiers, Nigeria is scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly on October 6. The Nigeria Football Federation previously announced a separate squad for that fixture, reflecting Chelle’s plan to manage the teams for the competitive qualifiers and the subsequent friendly.
For now, the immediate focus is on the two Group L qualifiers and how Nigeria responds to the late loss of Osimhen.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Nigeria Football Federation NFF
- Confederation of African Football CAF
- Premium Times
- PUNCH Newspapers
- Channels Television
