{
  "id": 9244704,
  "title": "Full house as Eagles begin training for Madagascar clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/full-house-as-eagles-begin-training-for-madagascar-clash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T02:16:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/full-house-as-eagles-begin-training-for-madagascar-clash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Super Eagles kicked off their training for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. A total of 23 players participated in the inaugural session, with Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to join the squad later. Head coach Eric Chelle and his assistants oversaw the training, as the team prepares for their first fixture of the campaign. Chelle named 24 players for the opening qualifiers, with Nigeria hosting Madagascar on Friday followed by a trip to Guinea-Bissau on September 29. The team's camp officially opened on Monday, but most players arrived on Tuesday for the evening training session. Newcomers such as Paris FC forward Moses Simon, Venezia striker Akor Adams, Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena joined the squad. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also joined before the training session, leaving Okoye as the final expected arrival. Victor Osimhen, who withdrew from the squad due to injury, will not be available for the opening fixtures.",
  "summary": "23 Super Eagles players have begun training in Uyo for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Madagascar on Friday. Read More: https://punchng.com/full-house-as-eagles-begin-training-for-madagascar-clash/",
  "key_points": [
    "23 players participated in inaugural Super Eagles training",
    "Head coach Eric Chelle oversees preparations for Madagascar clash",
    "Victor Osimhen withdraws due to injury"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The full squad participation, except for one player, signals a boost in preparation for the coach as he aims to make a strong start in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Full house as Eagles begin training for Madagascar clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/full-house-as-eagles-begin-training-for-madagascar-clash-9246572",
        "published": "2026-09-23T02:28:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}