Super Eagles Eye AFCON 2027 With June Friendlies Planned

LAGOS — The Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing for high-profile international friendlies against Poland and Portugal in June 2026. Coach Eric Chelle says the matches will be important for assessing his squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign.

Nigeria missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in the United States later this year. The failure to qualify has added pressure on the team’s technical staff and prompted calls for a comprehensive review of Nigerian football’s structure.

The Super Eagles are also set to participate in the Unity Cup in London later this month. The invitational tournament will give Chelle an opportunity to test players and build team chemistry before the June internationals.

Midfielder Alex Iwobi has provided an encouraging update on his recovery from an injury sustained during Fulham’s match against Brentford in April. Iwobi said he is now able to walk again, though he is still experiencing some discomfort. His availability for the June friendlies will depend on the pace of his recovery.

Former Super Eagles and Inter Milan striker Victor Nsofor Obinna expressed sadness about the state of Nigeria’s football infrastructure in a statement published on Thursday. He lamented that the Abuja National Stadium currently cannot meet standards required to host Super Eagles matches.

“A stadium like the Abuja National Stadium, with the amount of money that has been spent on it, cannot even host a national team game. It’s really sad. We need to tell ourselves the truth,” Obinna said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed it is in discussions with Newcastle United forward William Osula about switching his international allegiance to Nigeria. Osula, who has appeared for Denmark, could represent the Super Eagles if a nationality switch is approved by FIFA.

Nigerian football analyst Emeka Akaeze said the Super Eagles need to use the June friendlies wisely. “Portugal and Poland are strong teams. Playing them will expose our weaknesses and give Chelle a chance to find the right combinations before AFCON 2027 qualifiers begin,” Akaeze said.

The AFCON 2027 tournament is scheduled to be hosted by three East African nations. Nigeria, a three-time AFCON champion, will be looking to return to the tournament and challenge for a fourth continental title.