The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The match, scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, marks the beginning of Eric Chelle's rebuilding project. Chelle's team will be without their most potent frontman, Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the first two qualifiers due to a right adductor strain.
Osimhen's absence presents a significant challenge for Chelle, who has recalled Coventry-bound Taiwo Awoniyi to fill the gap. Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are likely to start up front alongside Awoniyi. The Super Eagles have had a mixed run of form leading up to the match, with wins over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, a draw with Poland, and a 2-1 loss to Portugal in June.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers hold significant importance for Nigeria, as a misfiring campaign could sting after two straight AFCON semi-final appearances and back-to-back World Cup qualifying failures. Nigeria share Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and co-hosts Tanzania. With Tanzania already guaranteed a finals slot as hosts, only the best-placed team among Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau will punch a ticket to the tournament.
Madagascar, under the guidance of coach Corentin Martins, will be looking to cause an upset against Nigeria. The visitors have included captain Rayan Raveloson in their 25-man squad, alongside first call-ups for striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher. Veteran defender Thomas Fontaine's experience and creative midfielder Lapoussin could pose problems for the Nigerian back line if left unchecked.
The head-to-head record between Nigeria and Madagascar shows that the Super Eagles have won two and lost one of their last three meetings. Madagascar's 2-0 upset at AFCON 2019 was a significant result, and Nigeria will be looking to avoid a similar outcome. The match will be a crucial test for Chelle's rebuilding project, and a win would provide a significant boost to their qualifying campaign.
The stakes are high for Nigeria, as a loss could define their campaign long before June 2027. A win, on the other hand, would provide a significant advantage in Group L. Nigeria travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, while Madagascar head into their own second match against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles' camp has received a boost with the arrival of goalkeeper Okoye ahead of the Madagascar clash. The team will be looking to make a strong statement in their qualifying campaign, and a win against Madagascar would be a significant step in the right direction. The match will be a closely contested affair, and Nigeria will need to be at their best to secure a victory.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles face Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier without star player Victor Osimhen due to injury.
- The match marks the beginning of Eric Chelle's rebuilding project, and a win would provide a significant boost to their qualifying campaign.
- The 2027 AFCON qualifiers hold significant importance for Nigeria, as a misfiring campaign could sting after two straight AFCON semi-final appearances and back-to-back World Cup qualifying failures.
