Super Eagles' Head Coach, Éric Chelle, has called on his team to give their all in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Franco-Malian gaffer made this statement as the team prepares to face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday. Chelle's emphasis on securing six points from the two matches underscores the team's determination to make a strong start in the qualifiers.
Nigeria's Super Eagles are set to face Madagascar in their first game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Friday. The team has been in camp in Ikot Ekpene, and several key players have reported for duty. Dependable defender Ola Aina and utility youngster Benjamin Fredricks, as well as forward Taiwo Awoniyi, have all joined the team. Awoniyi's inclusion comes as a result of the forced absence of Victor Osimhen.
Coach Chelle has expressed satisfaction with the team's preparations, citing a wealth of talent at his disposal. The team boasts an impressive array of goalkeepers, defenders, and attackers. Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are set to battle for the goalkeeper position, while Fredericks, Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are all contenders for defensive positions.
The Super Eagles' attacking lineup also looks promising, with Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and new recruit George Ilenikhena all in great form. The team's encounter with Madagascar on Friday will stir memories of past meetings between the two countries. Notably, the Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-0 in Calabar on September 5, 2010, and repeated the feat in Antananarivo a year later.
However, Madagascar caused a significant upset in 2019, defeating Nigeria 2-0 in a group phase match in Alexandria, Egypt. The Barea have announced their readiness for the upcoming encounter, arriving in Uyo three days ahead of the match. Coach Chelle has urged his team to approach the match with caution, emphasizing that they must "go for it with our hearts and refuse to slow down at any point."
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in their second match of the qualifiers on Tuesday, September 29, at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau. The team will fly out to Bissau on Sunday to prepare for the encounter. With a strong squad and a determined coach, the Super Eagles are poised to make a strong statement in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Super Eagles' squad for the qualifiers includes goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, and Stanley Nwabali, as well as defenders Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Olaoluwa Aina. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.
Key points
- Coach Éric Chelle has emphasized the importance of securing six points against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
- The Super Eagles have a strong squad, with several key players reporting for duty.
- The team's encounters with Madagascar have been marked by a mix of wins and losses in the past.
