The Super Eagles will kick off their campaign at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tournament with a home clash against Madagascar on Friday, as they look to record a statement victory to set early pace in Group L.
Head coach Eric Chelle led the three-time champions to a third placed finish at the last AFCON tournament in Morocco and has named a 24-man squad for the first round of qualifiers. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was named initially in the team before he pulled out with an injury.
Taiwo Awoniyi has since been called up as his replacement and the Super Eagles will have to cope without their talisman and first choice striker. With Osimhen set to miss the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, the responsibility of leading the attack will fall on other members of the squad.
Here are three players who could step up for the Super Eagles in his absence.
Ademola Lookman
The Atletico Madrid forward will be tasked with the bigger responsibility of leading the attack in the absence of Osimhen and he will be hoping to rediscover his goalscoring touch when Nigeria welcome Madagascar to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Ademola Lookman has enjoyed impressive performances in previous games for the Super Eagles and will now be hoping to replicate those form and inspire Nigeria to victory, especially as they target a fast start to avoid missing out on the one available automatic spot in the group.
The 28-year-old’s versatility would also be important especially as he can also be used through the middle and even in a two-man attack system as well.
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Tolu Arokodare
Tolu Arokodare was handed his first call-up to the Super Eagles since last October, when he featured during the CAF playoff final defeat to DR Congo, which ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
He was subsequently left out of the squad that finished third at the 2025 AFCON, but could now assume a bigger role especially in the absence of Osimhen.
Arokodare has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Dutch side Ajax this season and will be looking to carry that form to the Super Eagles, where he could earn a starting role as the lone striker or play in a two-man attack system.
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Taiwo Awoniyi
Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi was initially left out of the squad for the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau by Chelle.
However, an injury to Osimhen opened the opportunity for him to receive an invitation, and he will be looking to take advantage of that chance.
The 29-year-old will face competition from the likes of Akor Adams, Arokodare and newboy George Ilenikhena in the centre forward position.
However, he must take his chance if given to assure him of another invitation in the future, and his profile and style of play could give him a bigger chance over the rest of the players in the squad.
