Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle and Prince Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, senior adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, have urged the team to make a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. Chelle is targeting maximum points from the opening two fixtures, saying an early cushion would help Nigeria avoid the uncertainty and pressure that characterised their unsuccessful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Chelle emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying the team must show everyone from Day One that they want to succeed. He stressed that the only way to achieve this is to go for the points with their hearts and refuse to slow down at any point. The coach's comments reflect the team's determination to make a positive impact in the qualifying campaign. With several key players available, including Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredricks, and Taiwo Awoniyi, Chelle has a strong squad to choose from.
Prince Adeboye has also warned the Super Eagles against complacency, urging the players to approach both fixtures with maximum concentration. He advised the team to avoid complacency and take all the qualifying matches seriously to avoid a repeat performance of what happened during the last World Cup qualifiers. Adeboye's comments highlight the importance of focus and dedication in achieving success.
Adeboye also cautioned Nigeria against underestimating Madagascar, citing the Barea's improved performance and recent psychological advantage over Nigeria. Madagascar, coached by Corentin Martins, have improved significantly and would be determined to return to the AFCON after missing the previous edition in Morocco. The Barea's 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt serves as a reminder of their capabilities.
The Super Eagles have a strong record against Madagascar, having previously defeated them 2-0 in Calabar during the 2012 AFCON qualifying campaign and repeating the scoreline in Antananarivo the following year. However, Adeboye emphasized that Nigeria should not take anything for granted, given Madagascar's determination to cause another upset. The team's recent performances and head-to-head records will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
With several options available, Chelle will have a strong squad to choose from for Friday's encounter. Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali, and Arthur Okonkwo provide options in goal, while the defence includes Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Chibuike Nwaiwu. In attack, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena are among the options available to Chelle.
Adeboye also urged the players to justify the support they have received from the Federal Government. He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not taken the welfare of sportsmen and women for granted, providing financial, moral, and psychological support. As such, the players should reciprocate this gesture by not disappointing Nigerians. With Madagascar arriving in Uyo determined to cause another upset, Nigeria will be seeking three points to make a strong start to their campaign.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle and Prince Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye have called for a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
- The Super Eagles will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
- Chelle and Adeboye have warned the team against complacency, emphasizing the importance of focus and dedication in achieving success.
