Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, with head coach Eric Chelle facing an early test of his rebuilding plans.
The Group L opener is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with Nigeria aiming to make a strong start against opponents who have caused them problems in the past.
Madagascar famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. The victory was one of the biggest results in the Barea’s tournament debut, with Madagascar eventually reaching the quarter-finals.
Osimhen Misses Opener
Nigeria will have to begin the campaign without Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the first two qualifiers after suffering a right adductor injury.
His absence leaves Chelle with fewer options in attack, with Taiwo Awoniyi recalled to the squad. Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are among the forwards expected to shoulder the attacking responsibility against Madagascar.
The Super Eagles head into the fixture with mixed results under Chelle. Nigeria have recorded victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, drawn with Poland and suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in June.
The loss to Portugal ended a 12-match unbeaten run and handed Chelle his first defeat in regulation time since taking charge.
With Nigeria having reached the semi-finals at the last two AFCON tournaments, expectations remain high as the team begins another qualifying campaign.
Qualification Race
Nigeria, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania make up Group L.
Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 tournament as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda. As a result, the qualifying battle in the group will centre on the remaining teams competing for the available qualification place.
That makes the opening fixture particularly important for Nigeria, who cannot afford to drop points at home against one of their principal group rivals.
Madagascar Pose Familiar Threat
Madagascar will be led by coach Corentin Martins, who previously guided Mauritania to the 2019 and 2021 AFCON tournaments.
Captain Rayan Raveloson is part of the 25-man squad travelling to Nigeria, while striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher have received their first international call-ups.
Veteran defender Thomas Fontaine brings experience to the visitors, while midfielder Lapoussin could provide an attacking threat with his movement and creativity in the final third.
Nigeria Hold Recent Head-to-Head Edge
Nigeria have won two of their last three meetings with Madagascar.
The Super Eagles recorded 2-0 victories in 2010 and 2011 before Madagascar produced their memorable 2-0 upset at the 2019 AFCON.
Interestingly, all three encounters ended with two goals, with the winning side keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.
Guinea-Bissau Awaits
There will be little time for Nigeria to recover from Friday’s result before their next assignment.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, while Madagascar will take on Tanzania in their second Group L fixture.
For Chelle, the immediate task is to navigate the opening two matches without Osimhen while laying the foundation for Nigeria’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
