The Super Eagles’ camp in Uyo is officially alive with 20 players landing safely ahead of their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Head coach Éric Chelle and his entire technical crew have also arrived at the team base to oversee their very first training session. While the majority of the squad is already on the ground, all eyes are on AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze and three other crucial pillars who are still expected to arrive.

Marquee stars including Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, playmaker Alex Iwobi, and newly invited wonderkid George Ilenikhena are already on the ground.

Team captain Wilfred Ndidi, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are the only stars missing and are officially expected to arrive today

The three-time African champions are deep in physical preparations to host Madagascar’s Barea this Friday, September 25, 2026, before flying out to face Guinea-Bissau.

The intense anxiety surrounding the national team has finally shifted into full-blown preparation mode.

The Super Eagles camp has witnessed a massive influx of arrivals, with 20 international stars successfully checking into their hotel rooms before the team’s opening tactical sessions.

The early arrivals feature a strong mix of trusted veterans and highly anticipated new faces. Defensive rocks like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are already settled, alongside midfield engines Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka, and Raphael Onyedika.

In-form attackers Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Akor Adams are also on the ground, ready to inject lethal firepower upfront.

Exciting new dual-nationality call-ups, including Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and teenage sensation George Ilenikhena, have also checked in to begin their integration into the senior national setup.

Brentford defender Michael Kayode has revealed that he turned down an approach from Nigeria to represent the Super Eagles.

Kayode, who has become one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, chose to represent Italy at international level without hesitation.

The 22-year-old right-back, born in Borgomanero, Italy, to Nigerian parents, confirmed the Nigeria Football Federation contacted him. However, Kayode made it clear he never seriously considered switching allegiance.

“It was a very easy decision. I went through all the youth teams here. Nigeria approached me, but I never thought about changing national teams,” he told Football Italia.

Kayode has represented Italy at various youth levels, including scoring the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final against Portugal.

He has now earned his first senior call-up to the Azzurri squad.

Speaking after learning of his selection following Brentford’s win over Chelsea, Kayode expressed pure joy at fulfilling a long-held dream.

“It’s a great emotion to wear the Azzurri shirt. I found out about the call-up immediately after the win against Chelsea, in which I also scored. It was a perfect day…

“I’ve always considered it an honour to be part of this national team. And now, here I am.”

Despite Nigeria’s interest and his eligibility through parental heritage, Kayode has consistently prioritised Italy.

His decision closes the door on a potential Super Eagles career as he prepares to make his senior debut for the country of his birth.

According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Udinese has reached a verbal agreement with former Real Madrid defender David Alaba.
The Austrian star represents a dream signing for the Italian club, and both parties have agreed in principle.

However, Romano noted that formal procedures remain to be completed by both sides before the official “here we go!” announcement.

The 34-year-old Austrian defender finished last season with the Blancos and is now a free agent.