Super Eagles open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday, September 25, 2026, when they host Madagascar in a Group L clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00pm WAT.
Head coach Éric Chelle will be looking to start the qualifying series on a positive note as the three-time African champions begin their quest for a return to continental glory. Captain Wilfred Ndidi leads a squad drawn from across Europe’s top leagues, with the team already going through preparations on home soil ahead of the fixture.
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Among those who trained ahead of the encounter are Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Uzor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Stanley Nwabali — a blend of experience and emerging talent that gives Chelle plenty of options across the pitch.
History slightly favours the Super Eagles in this fixture. The two nations have met five times, with Nigeria winning three, Madagascar claiming one victory, and a single draw completing the record.
Their first meeting in October 2000 ended goalless in Madagascar, before Nigeria edged a 1–0 win in the reverse fixture in 2001. Nigeria then recorded back-to-back victories in 2010 and 2011, winning 2–0 on both occasions.
However, the most recent meeting tells a different story. At the 2019 AFCON finals in Alexandria, Madagascar stunned Nigeria with a 2–0 win, a result that remains fresh in the minds of Eagles faithful and adds an extra edge to Friday’s reunion.
With home advantage and a full-strength squad assembled in Uyo, Nigeria will be eager to avenge that 2019 defeat and set the tone for their qualifying campaign. Madagascar, on the other hand, will hope to draw on the belief from their last continental meeting with the Eagles as they look for another shock result.
All eyes turn to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday as the road to AFCON 2027 officially begins.
