Nigeria's Super Eagles will kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday. The match marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign under coach Eric Chelle. Nigeria, a three-time African champion, has made 21 appearances at the AFCON, most recently finishing third at the 2025 edition in Morocco. The team is seeking a strong start under Chelle as they bid to secure qualification for the 2027 tournament.
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka emphasized that Nigeria will not underestimate Madagascar in their upcoming match. Onyeka stated that the team has moved on from the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup and is now focused on the AFCON qualifiers. "Like every other game we have played, we have to win," Onyeka told Ademola Victor TV. He added that the team takes every game as it comes and does not underrate any opponent.
Madagascar, also known as the Barea, is not intimidated by the Super Eagles ahead of the match. Turkey-based Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson acknowledged Nigeria's quality but insisted his team would not be overawed by their opponents. Raveloson noted that everyone wants to win, but sometimes teams have to lose to learn. Madagascar is ranked 104th in the latest FIFA rankings and has a squad comprising largely players based in European lower divisions and African leagues.
The Barea will hope to carry the momentum from their recent run at the African Nations Championship into their AFCON qualifying campaign. Madagascar reached the final of the African Nations Championship and is seeking to qualify for only their second AFCON tournament. The team made their AFCON debut in 2019, when they reached the quarter-finals in a memorable campaign.
Madagascar also recorded a famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the group stage of the 2019 tournament in Egypt. In their previous meeting in AFCON qualifying, Nigeria defeated Madagascar at home and away during the qualifying series for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. However, the Eagles ultimately failed to qualify for the tournament.
Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, will be looking to build on the team's recent performances as they seek to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON. The team's star player, Victor Osimhen, is expected to play a key role in the match. Osimhen is widely regarded as one of the top players in African football.
The match between Nigeria and Madagascar will be a crucial test for both teams as they begin their AFCON qualifying campaign. The two teams will be looking to make a strong statement ahead of their upcoming matches against Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles will be seeking to bounce back from their disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles will face Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign opener on Friday.
- Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka warned against underestimating Madagascar ahead of the match.
- Madagascar is seeking to qualify for only their second AFCON tournament.
