The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday as both teams meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, will be looking to start Group L with a victory as they begin their bid to qualify for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Super Eagles head into the fixture after a mixed run in recent international matches. They defeated Zimbabwe and Jamaica before drawing with Poland and losing 2-1 to Portugal in June.
The defeat to Portugal ended Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten run under Chelle and was the team’s first loss in regulation time since the Malian took charge.
Chelle will be without striker Victor Osimhen for the opening two qualifiers after the Galatasaray forward was ruled out with a right adductor strain.
Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled as his replacement, while Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena provide other attacking options for the coach.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are also expected to play key roles in Nigeria’s attack as the three-time African champions begin their qualification campaign.
Madagascar, meanwhile, arrive in Uyo with a 25-man squad led by captain Rayan Raveloson. Coach Corentin Martins has also handed first international call-ups to striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher.
The Barea will draw confidence from their previous meeting with Nigeria after recording a 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Nigeria have won three of their five previous meetings with Madagascar, with one match ending in a draw and Madagascar winning once.
The Super Eagles will be seeking a stronger start to this qualifying campaign, with only one qualification place available from Group L because Tanzania have already secured their place as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
After Friday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on Sept. 29.
The match in Uyo is scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time, or 4 p.m. GMT.
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