Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare is struggling to regain full strength after recovering from a bout of fever, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of Nigeria's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures. Arokodare recently returned to action for Ajax, coming off the bench in a 2-2 draw with Excelsior on Saturday, where he scored two minutes after his introduction. However, he admitted that the appearance exposed his lack of full fitness.
Arokodare revealed that he is still feeling weak and tired, admitting that he is not yet 100 per cent fit. In an interview with ESPN, he stated that he needed the match to realise his current fitness level. Arokodare's struggles are a concern for the Super Eagles, who will be relying on him to lead their attack alongside Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams. Victor Osimhen is currently unavailable due to an injury.
Arokodare hopes to use the international break to complete his recovery and be available to help Nigeria in their qualifying fixtures. The forward's fitness will be monitored by the Super Eagles technical crew as they prepare for a demanding double-header within four days. Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Madagascar have arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday's encounter, with a 28-member delegation of players and officials landing at Victor Attah International Airport on Monday. Additional members of the delegation are expected to arrive on Tuesday. Coach Corentin Martins' side will be aiming to start their qualifying campaign with a positive result against the Super Eagles.
Madagascar will draw confidence from their most recent competitive meeting with Nigeria, when they defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. The Barea also come into the qualifiers after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship.
Coach Éric Chelle will be closely monitoring Arokodare's recovery as he finalises his plans for Friday's encounter. Arokodare's fitness issue comes at an important time for Chelle, with Osimhen unavailable and Awoniyi called up as his replacement. The Super Eagles will be looking to start their qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Nigeria's qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed Madagascar's opening trip to Nigeria as part of the country's first two qualifying matches. The Super Eagles will be looking to bounce back from a difficult period, with Arokodare's recovery set to be a key factor in their success.
Key points
- Arokodare's fitness is uncertain ahead of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
- Madagascar have arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday's encounter, looking to start their qualifying campaign with a positive result.
- Nigeria's qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
