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The qualification campaign for the 2027 African Cup of Nations will begin in March and run through to November later this year, as Nigeria will be hoping to book their place at the tournament and continue their pursuit of a fourth African title.
The Super Eagles showed clear signs of progress under head coach Eric Chelle at the recently-concluded 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, achieving a third-place finish.
However, by the time the 2027 tournament kicks off, several members of the current squad will be past their prime, making it very important for early introduction of fresh faces into the squad.
Nigeria has never lacked talents over the years and while the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has missed out on convincing stars like Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Jamal Musiala and the likes to switch allegiance, it has secured commitments from the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi, who have all played important roles for the national team.
With that in mind, here are the top 10 players that could realistically feature for the Super Eagles by the commencement of the 2027 AFCON tournament;
Arthur Okonkwo (Goalkeeper)
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is one of the most exciting additions in the coming matches for the Nigerian national team. The 24-year-old was born in London and despite representing England at the youth levels, he has switched his international allegiance to Nigeria.
The former Arsenal goalkeeper could provide a long-term solution to the goalkeeping
department given the recent inconsistency and is expected to earn a call-up to the Super
Eagles in the upcoming international window.
Tosin Adarabioyo (Defender)
Nigeria received a major boost ahead of the just-concluded 2025 AFCON tournament when Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo officially committed his future to the Super Eagles.
Born in England, the center-back previously turned down an opportunity to play for Nigeria earlier in his career, opting to play for the England youth team. His addition would add more depth and experience to the backline, making him a great option heading into the 2027 tournament.
Ethan Nwaneri (Forward)
Ethan Nwaneri was born in England to a Nigerian father and an English-French mother, making him eligible to represent the three nations. The teenage sensation has so far chosen to play for the England youth team and was part of the squad that won the U-21 European Championships last year.
However, the 18-year-old remains uncapped at senior level which leaves the door open for Nigeria to try and persuade him. The Super Eagles will offer him regular international minutes, unlike the Three Lions squad which is highly competitive especially in the attacking positions. Nwaneri’s versatility and creativity would be a great addition if Nigeria can convince him to switch allegiances.
Justin Njinmah (Forward)
Justin Njinmah was born in Germany and is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents.
However, he is yet to receive an invitation to play for the German senior team and has previously expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles, as revealed during an interview with Felix Agu, who switched allegiances to Nigeria in 2025.
The Werder Bremen forward would be a valuable addition to the squad with his pace and direct style, especially as Nigeria look to replace ageing players like Moses Simon.
Lesley Ugochukwu (Midfielder)
Burnley midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has been tipped to be the long-term successor to
Nigerian captain Wilfried Ndidi in the heart of the midfield.
The France youth international remains eligible for a call-up by the Super Eagles and is the nephew of former Nigerian international Onyekachi Apam, who won silver at the 2008 Olympics. The 21-year-old will offer many years of service and add physical presence to the midfield.
Carney Chukwuemeka (Midfield)
Carney Chukwuemeka remains one of the most high-profile players the NFF are trying to convince in time for the qualifying campaign of the next AFCON tournament. Despite representing England at youth level, he remains eligible to play for Nigeria, as well as Austria through his parents.
At 22, Chukwuemeka has plenty of years to offer and would bring a different style of play to the team. Should the NFF succeed in convincing him to switch allegiances in time for the tournament, it would be a major coup.
Noah Atubolu (Goalkeeper)
Convincing Noah Atubolu may prove difficult, although it is not entirely impossible. The German-born goalkeeper has set his sights on representing Die Mannschaft and even received his first senior call-up last October.
This makes him still eligible to feature for Nigeria as he is yet to make an appearance at
senior level. The NFF have continued to monitor him and he would be a great addition to the goalkeeping department if he eventually changes his mind.
Kevin Martins (Forward)
Kevin Martins is the son of Super Eagles legend Obafemi Martins and is also another
exciting addition that could join the team in time for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The 20-year-old was born in Italy and has already played for them at the U-15 level.
However, he remains eligible for a call-up by Nigeria and could be tempted by the opportunity of continuing his father’s legacy on the international stage.
Michael Kayode (Defender)
Brentford right-back Michael Kayode is another player on the radar of the Super Eagles.
Born in Italy, the 21-year-old is of Nigerian descent and can represent the Super Eagles as he is yet to make a senior appearance for the Azzurri.
Convincing him might prove difficult, but he would be a great addition and a long-term option at the right-back position if he eventually switches allegiance to Nigeria.
Samuel Edozie (Forward)
England-born forward Sam Edozie has been on Nigeria’s watchlist for some time and is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles.
The 22-year-old has played for England at the youth level, but could opt for Nigeria at the senior level, given how competitive the Three Lions attack is at the moment.
It will require enough persuasion to convince most of these players to switch allegiances, but if the NFF are able to do so, Nigeria would head into the 2027 AFCON tournament with greater depth and quality than in recent years.
