{"id":38377,"date":"2026-09-21T09:36:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:36:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=38377"},"modified":"2026-09-21T09:36:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T09:36:43","slug":"super-eagles-kick-off-afcon-2027-qualification-journey-against-madagascar-in-uyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/super-eagles-kick-off-afcon-2027-qualification-journey-against-madagascar-in-uyo\/","title":{"rendered":"Super Eagles Kick Off AFCON 2027 Qualification Journey Against Madagascar in Uyo"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Eric
Eric Chelle (Photo Credit: Super Eagles via X)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The match is set to begin at 4:00 PM Nigerian time, as \u00c9ric Chelle\u2019s team aims to launch the qualifying series on a strong note and secure an early advantage in the group.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Among the newcomers in the 24-man lineup are Arthur Okonkwo<\/a>, Isaac James<\/a>, Moses Usor<\/a>, and George Ilenikhena<\/a>, all of whom have yet to earn their first caps for the Super Eagles.<\/p>\n

Uyo Ready for the Super Eagles<\/h3>\n

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has become a reliable venue for Nigeria in recent times and will host the team\u2019s first competitive match of the new AFCON qualifying round.<\/p>\n

\"Godswill-Akpabio-Stadium
Godswill-Akpabio-Stadium \u2013 Photo Credit : Softfootball Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Super Eagles aim to leverage their home ground advantage before heading to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L encounter on September 29.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Madagascar Arrive With Their Own Ambitions<\/h3>\n

Madagascar will not be in Nigeria just to participate passively.<\/p>\n

The Barea, under the guidance of Corentin Martins<\/strong>, have assembled a 25-person roster for the initial qualifier as they kick off their own Group L journey.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

CAF has stated that Tanzania\u2019s automatic qualification implies that the highest-ranked team in Group L, aside from Tanzania, will secure the lone qualifying spot from the group.<\/p>\n

This development emphasizes the significance of every point for both Nigeria and Madagascar in this opening contest.<\/p>\n

Nigeria Without Osimhen<\/h3>\n

A key storyline ahead of this match is the absence of Victor Osimhen.<\/p>\n

\"Victor
Victor Osimhen Scores Again but Suffers Groin Injury in Galatasaray\u2019s 3\u20132 Win Over Ba\u015fak\u015fehir – Photo Credit : Galatasaray, X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Osimhen was initially named in Chelle\u2019s roster<\/a>, but has been ruled out of both matches in September<\/a> as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.<\/p>\n

Without Osimhen, Nigeria is losing a significant attacking player, which increases the burden on the remaining forwards.<\/p>\n

Ademola Lookman<\/a>, Moses Simon<\/a>, Samuel Chukwueze<\/a>, Akor Adams<\/a>, and Tolu Arokodare<\/a> are among the forwards Chelle will rely on, while younger players like George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor also present additional options.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Experience Meets Youth<\/h3>\n

Despite Osimhen\u2019s unavailability, Nigeria maintains a wealth of experience in its lineup.<\/p>\n

Captain Wilfred Ndidi<\/a><\/strong>, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali<\/a><\/strong>, alongside Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman, are expected to offer guidance on the field.<\/p>\n

The inclusion of younger talents brings a new element to the squad.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Softfootball<\/a> will be present in Uyo for the Nigeria versus Madagascar match, providing live coverage from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.<\/p>\n

Our coverage will include match updates, the atmosphere of the stadium, interviews, photographs, and reactions, as well as detailed reports throughout the Super Eagles\u2019 first AFCON 2027 qualifier.<\/p>\n

From the pre-match excitement to the final whistle, SoftFootball will bring you all the action from inside and around the stadium.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n