PREVIEW: Super Eagles host Madagascar in 2027 AFCON qualifier

Eric Chelle’s rebuilding project faces its first real test this evening, and he’ll have to pass it without his most dangerous weapon.

Nigeria open their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations — co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — against a Madagascar side that has haunted them before.

Madagascar’s last shock win over the Super Eagles came at AFCON 2019, a 2-0 victory that arrived during the Barea’s tournament debut, a run that carried them all the way to the quarter-finals.

Kick-off: 5pm Nigerian time (4pm GMT), Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

Competition: 2027 AFCON qualifiers, Group L, Matchday 1

The Osimhen problem
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Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s first two qualifiers with a right adductor strain, denying Chelle his most potent frontman for the opener and the trip to Guinea-Bissau that follows. Coventry-bound Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled to fill the gap, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams the likely starting pair up front.

The Super Eagles arrive in Uyo on the back of a mixed run — wins over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, a draw with Poland, and a 2-1 loss to Portugal in June that snapped a 12-match unbeaten run and handed Chelle his first defeat in regulation time since taking charge.

A misfiring qualifying campaign now would sting after two straight AFCON semi-final appearances and back-to-back World Cup qualifying failures.

Group L math

Nigeria share Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania, and the group’s shape sharpens the stakes early. With Tanzania already guaranteed a finals slot as hosts, only the best-placed team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau punches a ticket — meaning tonight’s three points, or the lack of them, could define the whole campaign long before June 2027.

Madagascar’s threats

Corentin Martins now sits in the dugout, a coach who steered Mauritania to the 2019 and 2021 AFCON tournaments, and the visitors arrive with captain Rayan Raveloson leading a 25-man squad, alongside first call-ups for striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher. Watch for veteran defender Thomas Fontaine’s experience and creative midfielder Lapoussin, whose movement in dangerous areas could cause the Nigerian back line problems if left unchecked.

Head to Head

Nigeria have won two and lost one of the last three meetings between the sides — 2-0 wins in 2010 and 2011, before Madagascar’s 2-0 upset at AFCON 2019. All three finished with exactly two total goals, and the winning side kept a clean sheet each time.

What’s next

Win or lose, there’s no time to dwell. Nigeria travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, while Madagascar head into their own second match against Tanzania.

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