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Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has received a timely boost regarding Frank Onyeka's fitness ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
Concerns arose over Onyeka after he walked off injured during the second half of Coventry City's 5-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The 28-year-old midfielder appeared to have sustained a hand injury after colliding with a Brighton player.
With AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau scheduled for later this month, the setback raised serious questions about his availability for Nigeria.
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However, those fears have now been put to rest, as the former FC Midtjylland star has returned to full fitness. Onyeka featured for the Sky Blues in their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on Wednesday night.
We exit the @Carabao_Cup. pic.twitter.com/P58HdK9HI4
— Coventry City (@CoventryCityFC) September 16, 2026
Although he did not start, he came off the bench in the second half to play the final 17 minutes. While he could not alter the outcome of the match—picking up a yellow card in the process—his return to the pitch confirms he is healthy and ready for Super Eagles duty.
When Will Chelle Announce His Super Eagles Squad?
Nigeria will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their opening two fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
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The Super Eagles host Madagascar's Barea on September 25 before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. With the national team camp set to open next week, Chelle is expected to announce his final roster in the coming days.
Super Eagles squad lists are typically released on Fridays, making an announcement likely before the weekend. Barring any late surprises, the fit-again Onyeka should comfortably secure his regular spot in midfield.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also tipped to return to the squad, though it remains to be seen whether Chelle will hand him the starting gloves over Maduka Okoye.
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On the attacking front, Nigeria will have to cope without key strikers Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, who are both sidelined through injury.
With only one team guaranteed qualification from Group L, Chelle will be determined to kick off the qualifying series with maximum points.
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