Super Eagles Face Madagascar Again as AFCON 2027 Qualifier Promises Tough Test

By Emmanuel Kwada

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have stepped up preparations for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Madagascar, completing their first training session as the countdown to Friday’s encounter in Uyo gathers pace.

The three-time African champions will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, September 25, in their first Group L fixture, with both teams beginning the race for qualification to the 2027 continental tournament.

The two nations have met five times, with Nigeria recording three victories, Madagascar winning once and the other encounter ending in a draw.

The meeting is particularly interesting because Nigeria and Madagascar are no strangers to one another. The two nations have met five times, with Nigeria recording three victories, Madagascar winning once and the other encounter ending in a draw. However, the most recent meeting produced an unexpected result, with Madagascar defeating Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

That result remains a reminder that the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. Madagascar stunned Nigeria in 2019 after taking an early lead through Lalaina Nomenjanahary before Carolus Andriamatsinoro doubled the advantage, securing top spot in their group while Nigeria advanced as runners-up.

Awoniyi Steps In for Osimhen

Nigeria will enter Friday’s match without Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the opening two AFCON 2027 qualifiers as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

Photo from their first training session ahead of Friday’s

Osimhen, who has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles, was initially included in Eric Chelle’s squad but was subsequently withdrawn after failing to recover in time.

His replacement is Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who returns to the national team after his last appearance for Nigeria came in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya in Uyo. His return gives Chelle another experienced option in attack, although his role will inevitably attract attention because he is stepping into the squad in the absence of one of Nigeria’s leading goalscorers.

Awoniyi will have support from an attacking group that includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and newly invited George Ilenikhena.

Chelle has also introduced fresh talent into the Super Eagles setup. George Ilenikhena, Isaac James and Arthur Okonkwo received their first senior call-ups for the AFCON qualifiers, while other new additions include Chibuike Nwaiwu and Moses Usor.

Ilenikhena, in particular, will be one of the players attracting attention given Nigeria’s need for attacking options in Osimhen’s absence.

It is an opportunity to lay down an early marker, avenge the disappointment of the 2019 meeting.

The return of Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick also provides additional defensive options, while established players such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Semi Ajayi bring considerable international experience to the squad.

Madagascar are unlikely to arrive in Uyo simply to defend. CAF notes that the Barea enter the qualifying campaign with momentum after reaching the recent CHAN final, while coach Corentin Martins has also introduced new players to his squad.

The Super Eagles should therefore expect a disciplined and competitive opponent capable of causing problems if given space to settle into the game.

Nigeria will have the advantage of playing at home, but Friday’s encounter could demand patience, intensity and concentration, particularly because Madagascar have already demonstrated their ability to upset the Super Eagles.

The midfield battle will also be important. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika could play key roles in controlling possession and supplying Nigeria’s attackers, while Lookman, Chukwueze and Simon provide pace and creativity in the final third.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is also back among the squad, while the defensive unit featuring Aina, Bassey, Ajayi and others will be expected to remain alert against Madagascar’s counter-attacking threat.

With Nigeria’s first two qualifiers carrying added importance because Tanzania are already qualified as one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027, Nigeria must navigate the group carefully. Only the highest-placed team apart from Tanzania will qualify from Group L.

For Chelle and his players, Friday represents more than the beginning of another qualifying campaign. It is an opportunity to lay down an early marker, avenge the disappointment of the 2019 meeting and begin the journey toward AFCON 2027 with a positive result.

The Super Eagles completed their opening training session with the focus now firmly on Madagascar, and with just two days to go, the stage is set for another chapter in an increasingly intriguing Nigeria-Madagascar rivalry.

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