Match Preview: Super Eagles begin AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar

Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar‘s Barea at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September, 2026, with Eric Chelle‘s men set for their opening match of the campaign, Made In Africa Sport reports.

The match kicks off at 5 pm Nigerian time, with Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the group’s remaining qualification place as Tanzania are already assured of a place at the tournament as co-hosts.

That leaves little room for dropped points, particularly for Nigeria on home soil.

Chelle demands a fast start from Super Eagles

Chelle has retained several experienced players while introducing younger options as he begins to shape the squad.

Nigeria have plenty of attacking talent available, with Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi among the forwards expected to provide the threat in Uyo.

Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi offer experience in midfield, while Nigeria’s defence will have to deal with Madagascar’s ability to counter when they win possession.

Chelle has challenged his players to approach the opening game with urgency.

“We have to show everyone from day one that we want it, and the only way to do that is to go for it with our hearts, and refuse to slow down at any point,” he said.

Osimhen’s absence creates opportunity

Nigeria will start the campaign without Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray striker was withdrawn from the squad because of injury.

His absence removes one of the team’s most prolific attacking options, but it gives other forwards an opportunity to take greater responsibility.

Awoniyi is back in the squad after a lengthy absence from international football and could feature in the attack. Akor Adams and Arokodare are also available, while George Ilenikhena provides another option for Chelle.

The challenge for Nigeria will be maintaining their attacking threat without relying on one player to provide the decisive moment.

Madagascar bring a warning from 2019

Madagascar will not need reminding of their previous meeting with Nigeria.

The Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, one of the most unexpected results of that tournament.

That result provides a reminder of what can happen if Nigeria fail to break down a disciplined opponent.

Madagascar are likely to spend periods without the ball and look for opportunities to attack spaces when Nigeria commit players forward. The Super Eagles will therefore need patience in possession while remaining organised when attacks break down.

Nigeria face test of patience

The key battle in Uyo could come down to Nigeria’s ability to find a way through a potentially compact Madagascar defence.

Lookman, Simon and Chukwueze can provide width and one-on-one threat, while Iwobi’s movement and passing could help Nigeria create openings between midfield and defence.

The Super Eagles may need to move the ball quickly to shift Madagascar’s defensive shape rather than allowing the visitors to settle into a comfortable rhythm.

At the other end, Nigeria cannot afford to become vulnerable by committing too many players forward. Madagascar’s counter-attacking threat means the hosts will need to maintain their defensive structure even when chasing a goal.

What is at stake?

Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau away on September 29, giving Chelle two competitive fixtures in a short opening window.

A win in Uyo would give Nigeria an early platform before the trip to Guinea-Bissau, while dropping points at home would immediately increase the pressure on the remaining matches.

The Super Eagles will have the home support behind them, but Madagascar have already shown that they can cause problems when Nigeria fail to impose themselves.

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