The Super Eagles are expected to have enough attacking quality and home support to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a win when they face Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Éric Chelle’s side will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out with a muscle injury, but Chelle still has several attacking options available, including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams.
Nigeria vs Madagascar Preview
Friday’s Group L match is an important one for both teams. Tanzania have already qualified as one of the hosts of AFCON 2027, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the remaining qualification place in the group.
That makes a strong start important for Nigeria, especially with the Super Eagles set to face Guinea-Bissau four days after Friday’s match.
Nigeria come into the game with some encouraging recent results. The Super Eagles defeated Iran 2–1, Zimbabwe 2–0 and Jamaica 3–0 before drawing 2–2 with Poland and losing narrowly to Portugal.
Madagascar have also produced some good results, beating Kyrgyzstan 5–2, Equatorial Guinea 2–0 and Comoros 2–1. However, they lost 4–0 to Morocco in June.
Head-to-Head
Nigeria have won three of their five previous meetings with Madagascar, while one match ended in a draw.
Madagascar’s only victory came in the most recent meeting between the teams, when the Barea defeated Nigeria 2–0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
That result will serve as a reminder that the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Team News
Osimhen will miss the match after being ruled out with injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi called up as his replacement.
Chelle still has an experienced squad featuring Lookman, Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Stanley Nwabali.
Isaac James and George Ilenikhena are also in line to make their senior international debuts.
Madagascar will look to experienced players such as Rayan Raveloson, Marco Ilaimaharitra, Loïc Lapoussin and Warren Caddy for inspiration.
Prediction: Nigeria 2–0 Madagascar
Nigeria’s attacking options should give them an advantage, even without Osimhen.
Lookman can provide a threat from wide areas, while Iwobi offers creativity in midfield. The Super Eagles also have several options in attack who can trouble the Madagascar defence.
The Barea have enough quality to make the game competitive, but Nigeria’s home advantage and greater experience could help Chelle’s side secure all three points.
