Nigeria’s Super Eagles will kick off their campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Madagascar in their first Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
The match is set to begin at 4:00 PM Nigerian time, as Éric Chelle’s team aims to launch the qualifying series on a strong note and secure an early advantage in the group.
This match will initiate a new competitive phase for Nigeria under Chelle, who has selected a mix of seasoned players and newer faces eager to prove themselves at the international level.
Among the newcomers in the 24-man lineup are Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena, all of whom have yet to earn their first caps for the Super Eagles.
Uyo Ready for the Super Eagles
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has become a reliable venue for Nigeria in recent times and will host the team’s first competitive match of the new AFCON qualifying round.
The Super Eagles aim to leverage their home ground advantage before heading to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L encounter on September 29.
A successful outcome in Uyo would offer Nigeria a strong platform as they prepare for the next match, given the short gap of four days between games.
Madagascar Arrive With Their Own Ambitions
Madagascar will not be in Nigeria just to participate passively.
The Barea, under the guidance of Corentin Martins, have assembled a 25-person roster for the initial qualifier as they kick off their own Group L journey.
Competing in the same group are Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, the latter already assured a place in the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts of the tournament.
CAF has stated that Tanzania’s automatic qualification implies that the highest-ranked team in Group L, aside from Tanzania, will secure the lone qualifying spot from the group.
This development emphasizes the significance of every point for both Nigeria and Madagascar in this opening contest.
Nigeria Without Osimhen
A key storyline ahead of this match is the absence of Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen was initially named in Chelle’s roster, but has been ruled out of both matches in September as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
Without Osimhen, Nigeria is losing a significant attacking player, which increases the burden on the remaining forwards.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare are among the forwards Chelle will rely on, while younger players like George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor also present additional options.
The manner in which Chelle adapts his attacking strategy without Osimhen is anticipated to be a focal point when the Super Eagles take the field.
Experience Meets Youth
Despite Osimhen’s unavailability, Nigeria maintains a wealth of experience in its lineup.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, alongside Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman, are expected to offer guidance on the field.
The inclusion of younger talents brings a new element to the squad.
Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor, and George Ilenikhena are eager to secure their first appearances, with James also adding defensive depth to Chelle’s options.
Softfootball will be present in Uyo for the Nigeria versus Madagascar match, providing live coverage from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Our coverage will include match updates, the atmosphere of the stadium, interviews, photographs, and reactions, as well as detailed reports throughout the Super Eagles’ first AFCON 2027 qualifier.
From the pre-match excitement to the final whistle, SoftFootball will bring you all the action from inside and around the stadium.
