Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has challenged his players to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign strongly when Nigeria hosts Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday. Chelle emphasized the importance of going all out for victory from the opening whistle to avoid leaving their qualification hopes vulnerable to a late scramble. He stressed that the team must show everyone from the start that they want to qualify, and the only way to do that is to go for it with their hearts and refuse to slow down.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in their opening Group D fixture before traveling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifier against the Wild Dogs at the 24 September Stadium on Tuesday, September 29. Chelle said collecting maximum points from the opening matches would provide an important platform for Nigeria's qualification campaign. The Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out, with Taiwo Awoniyi drafted into the squad as a replacement.
Nigeria will, however, welcome back defender Ola Aina, while young utility player Benjamin Fredricks is also available for selection. Goalkeeping and attacking options give Chelle selection priorities. Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are both fit and available in goal, while Nigeria also have several defensive options, including Aina, Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Turkey-based Chibuike Nwaiwu.
In attack, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and new signing George Ilenikhena provide Chelle with further options as Nigeria seeks to begin the campaign with three points. The team is looking to make a strong statement against Madagascar, a team that has caused them problems in the past. Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-0 in Calabar in September 2010 and recorded the same scoreline in the return fixture in Antananarivo a year later.
However, Madagascar produced a major upset at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, defeating Nigeria 2-0 in their final Group B match in Alexandria. Nigeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage before that encounter, but the result remains a reminder of the threat posed by the Barea. Both teams now begin another race for an AFCON ticket, with Madagascar arriving in Uyo three days before Friday's encounter and signaling their readiness for the contest.
For Chelle, the immediate objective is clear: ensure the Super Eagles take maximum points from their opening home fixture and establish early momentum in the qualification race. The team has been preparing for the match, and Chelle is confident that they have what it takes to get the job done. With a strong squad and a good understanding of the opponent, Nigeria is looking to make a statement and take a crucial step towards qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
The match against Madagascar is a crucial one for Nigeria, and a win would give them a significant advantage in their qualification campaign. With several top-class players available for selection, Chelle has a tough task ahead of him in choosing the right team to take on the Barea. However, with careful planning and execution, Nigeria is confident that they can get the result they need to kick-start their campaign.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, seeking a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
- The Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out, with Taiwo Awoniyi drafted into the squad as a replacement.
- A win against Madagascar would give Nigeria a significant advantage in their qualification campaign, and Chelle is confident that his team has what it takes to get the job done.
