Chelle urges robust AFCON qualifying start for Super Eagles

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle urged his players to commence Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a strong note. He emphasized the need to gather points early in order to avoid a challenging qualification journey, particularly in light of the previous uncertainty surrounding Nigeria's FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Chelle expressed this sentiment ahead of their opening Group L match against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 29, 2026. Following this match, the team is set to travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second fixture.

"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," stated Chelle, looking forward to the first matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

In the upcoming match, Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen, who had to withdraw from the squad due to a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has been drafted in as his replacement. The selection also welcomes defender Ola Aina back, while Benjamin Fredricks provides another defensive option.

Chelle faces numerous selection decisions across various positions. In defense, he has options including Aina, Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Chibuike Nwaiwu. Attack-wise, the coach can call upon players such as Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Moses Usor, and newcomer George Ilenikhena.

This match against Madagascar revives memories of their previous encounters, including Madagascar's surprising victory over Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. In the past, Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-0 in Calabar on September 5, 2010, followed by another 2-0 victory the next year in Antananarivo. However, in 2019, Madagascar upset Nigeria with a 2-0 win in Alexandria, Egypt, during the final group-stage match, despite Nigeria having already secured a spot in the Round of 16.

Madagascar, having arrived in Nigeria three days before Friday's game, poses a challenge as Nigeria looks to begin the qualifying campaign on a positive note with three points before shifting focus to Guinea-Bissau.