As the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier approaches, Nigerian fans are expressing confidence in the Super Eagles' ability to defeat Madagascar. The match is scheduled for Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. Fans believe the team's skilled players, competing in top European leagues, will ensure a win. Emmanuel Alozie, a football scout, backed the Super Eagles to secure three points, citing the team's quality and urging the coaching crew to select a formidable squad.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable due to injury. CAF confirmed that Osimhen was ruled out of the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Despite this setback, fans remain optimistic about the team's chances. Benjamin James, a former international, believes Nigeria will cope with Osimhen's absence, citing Taiwo Awoniyi's opportunity to step up and reclaim his position in the national team.
Susan Olamidele, a football fan, expressed confidence in Nigeria's chances, citing team spirit and depth of quality players available to the Super Eagles. She urged the coaching crew to ensure players remain focused and avoid indiscipline on and off the pitch. Olamidele highlighted that Nigerian players command great respect in Europe and have the ability to perform at the top level.
Madagascar, however, will approach the match with confidence after reaching the CHAN final and recording impressive recent results. The island nation also defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, giving them a notable result against the Super Eagles. Nigeria have won three of their previous five meetings with Madagascar, with one draw and one defeat.
The match comes at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the Nigeria Football Federation undergoing a leadership transition. Head coach Éric Chelle has several returning and new players, providing the Super Eagles with different options in Osimhen's absence. Captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead regulars like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Frank Onyeka.
Among the newer players called up are George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Usor, and Chibuike Nwaiwu. Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau face an important battle for qualification from Group L. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, is also in the group and is automatically qualified for the tournament.
Therefore, only the highest-ranked team among the other three nations will qualify from Group L. The Super Eagles' preparation for the match continued on Tuesday, with the teams holding separate training sessions in Uyo. Fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating the encounter, which promises to be a thrilling contest between two African footballing nations.
Key points
- Super Eagles fans are optimistic about the team's chances against Madagascar in the 2027 AFCON qualifier.
- The match will be played without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable due to injury.
- Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are competing for qualification from Group L, with Tanzania already qualified as a co-host.
