Nigeria's Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has challenged his players to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign strongly against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in 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 their determination from the start.
The Super Eagles 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 believes collecting maximum points from the opening matches will provide an important platform for Nigeria's qualification campaign. The team will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out due to injury.
Nigeria has several options to consider ahead of the Madagascar clash, particularly in goal and attack. Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are both fit and available, while the team also has several defensive options, including Ola Aina, Benjamin Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Chibuike Nwaiwu. In attack, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and new signing George Ilenikhena provide Chelle with further options.
The fixture also revives memories of previous meetings between the two countries. 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.
Madagascar arrives in Uyo three days before Friday's encounter, 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 will also welcome back defender Ola Aina, while young utility player Benjamin Fredricks is also available for selection.
Taiwo Awoniyi has been drafted into the squad as a replacement for the injured Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagles' goalkeeping and attacking options give Chelle selection priorities ahead of the Madagascar clash. The team's performance will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
The Super Eagles' match against Madagascar on Friday will be a crucial test of their abilities, and a win will provide a significant boost to their qualification campaign. The team's determination and readiness will be on display as they seek to begin their campaign on a positive note.
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 due to injury, and will rely on Taiwo Awoniyi as a replacement.
- A win against Madagascar will provide a significant boost to Nigeria's qualification campaign and establish early momentum in the qualification race.
