Super Eagles begin AFCON 2027 campaign against Madagascar

Sports

UYO, Nigeria (NPA) — The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar today, Friday, Sept. 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Group L encounter is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nigerian time, with Nigeria seeking a winning start in the qualification race for the tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the qualifying place available in Group L, with co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals. The highest-placed team among the other three nations will secure the group’s qualification spot.

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Head coach Éric Chelle is expected to demand an aggressive approach from his players as the Super Eagles seek to take control of the group from the opening fixture.

Nigeria, however, will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Osimhen’s recovery had taken longer than initially expected. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Chelle still has several attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena.

The fixture also carries historical significance, with Madagascar recording a 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

However, Nigeria have won three of the five previous meetings between the two countries, with one draw and one defeat.

The match could also mark a major personal milestone for Moses Simon, who is set to make his 100th senior appearance for Nigeria if selected.

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that Simon has 99 caps and would become the fifth player to reach the century mark for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Sept. 29, for their second Group L qualifier.

The Super Eagles will therefore be looking to begin the campaign on a positive note as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON finals.