The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they host Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM Nigerian time, with Éric Chelle’s side looking to start the qualifying campaign on a positive note and put themselves in a strong position early in the group.
The fixture marks the beginning of a new competitive cycle for Nigeria under Chelle, who has retained several experienced players while also handing invitations to a number of players hoping to make their mark at senior international level.
Among the new faces in the 24-man squad are Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, all of whom are yet to make their senior debuts for the Super Eagles.
Uyo Ready for the Super Eagles
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has become a familiar home for Nigeria in recent years and will provide the setting for the team’s first competitive match of the new AFCON qualifying cycle.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to make home advantage count before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.
With only four days separating the two matches, a positive result in Uyo would provide Nigeria with an important foundation heading into the next fixture.
Madagascar Arrive With Their Own Ambitions
Madagascar will not travel to Nigeria simply to make up the numbers.
The Barea, coached by Corentin Martins, have named a 25-man squad for the opening qualifier as they begin their own campaign in Group L.
The group also contains Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
CAF has confirmed that Tanzania’s automatic qualification means the highest-placed team apart from Tanzania in Group L will claim the qualifying spot from the group.
That makes every point particularly important for Nigeria and Madagascar from the opening match.
Nigeria Without Osimhen
One of the major talking points ahead of the encounter is the absence of Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray striker was initially included in Chelle’s squad but has since been ruled out of both September qualifiers as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.
Osimhen’s absence means Nigeria will be without one of their most established attacking options, placing additional responsibility on the other forwards in the squad.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are among the attacking options available to Chelle, while youngsters such as George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor provide further alternatives.
How Chelle reorganises his attack without Osimhen will be one of the major talking points when the Super Eagles take to the pitch.
Experience Meets Youth
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria still have considerable experience within the squad.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman are among the established players expected to provide leadership.
At the same time, the inclusion of younger players gives the squad a different dimension.
Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena will be hoping to make their senior debuts, with James also offering Chelle another option in defence.
Softfootball Live in Uyo
Softfootball will be on the ground in Uyo for Nigeria vs Madagascar, bringing fans coverage directly from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Our team will provide matchday updates, stadium atmosphere, interviews, photographs, reactions and reports throughout the Super Eagles’ opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
From the build-up to the final whistle, SoftFootball will be following all the action from inside and around the stadium.
