AFCON 2027 Race: All Sports Supporters Club Backs Chelle’s Eagles for Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau Tests
The All Sports Supporters Club, under the leadership of its President, Barrister Johnson Dagana, has expressed strong optimism that the Super Eagles of Nigeria will record positive results in their forthcoming international engagements.
The club’s confidence comes following Head Coach Éric Chelle’s announcement of his squads for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the international friendly against Russia in October.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign at home when they welcome Madagascar’s Barea to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Nigeria will then travel to Bissau for a Day 2 encounter against Guinea-Bissau’s Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.
The All Sports Supporters Club believes the quality and experience assembled by Coach Chelle can help Nigeria make a strong start to the qualification campaign.
The squad includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, and attacking stars Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
Other notable names include Maduka Okoye, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.
The inclusion of several emerging players, including Arthur Okonkwo, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Isaac James, George Ilhenikina and Moses Usor, also provides an opportunity for fresh talent to make an impact at senior international level.
President Barrister Johnson Dagana, on behalf of the All Sports Supporters Club, called on the players and technical crew to approach both AFCON qualifying matches with determination, discipline and the winning mentality expected of the three-time African champions.
The club also urged Nigerian football supporters to rally behind the team as the Eagles begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The supporters’ body believes the backing of Nigerians, both at home and abroad, will remain an important source of motivation for the national team.
Following the AFCON qualifiers, attention will turn to another major international assignment as Nigeria face Russia in a friendly match at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
Coach Éric Chelle has selected another 24-man squad for the encounter, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, defender Benjamin Fredricks, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Moses Simon and Akor Adams among the players called up.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
