AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles set for Madagascar test in Uyo
By Tosin Omojola
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle says Nigeria must make a flying start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
The Eagles face the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, conscious of the need to secure maximum points early and avoid another difficult qualifying campaign.
“We have to show everyone from Day One that we want it, and the only way to do that is to go for it with our hearts and refuse to slow down at any point. We must go for the points without any hesitation,” Chelle said.
Nigeria will then travel to Bissau for their second Group D fixture against Guinea-Bissau at the 24 September Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
The Eagles welcome back Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredricks, while Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace the injured Victor Osimhen.
Chelle has several options in goal, with Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali fit and available. He also has defensive options in Aina, Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu. In attack, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze and new boy George Ilenikhena are available.
Nigeria have a favourable recent record against Madagascar, winning their previous two meetings 2-0. However, the Barea stunned the Eagles with a 2-0 victory at the 2019 AFCON in Alexandria, although Nigeria had already qualified for the knockout stage.
Madagascar, who arrived in Uyo three days before Friday’s encounter, will be looking to repeat that upset as both teams begin their quest for an AFCON ticket.
