Nigeria looks to win against Madagascar in AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria wants to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying journey with a win as they host Madagascar today at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, according to The PUNCH.

The Super Eagles are in Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and co-hosts Tanzania.

After today's match against Madagascar, Nigeria will head to Bissau for a game against the Wild Dogs next Tuesday. Only one team from the group will automatically qualify for the tournament due to Tanzania being a co-host.

Nigeria, the three-time AFCON champions in 1980, 1994, and 2013, reached the semi-finals in the last two tournaments. The team is expected to qualify for the tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, which will take place from June 19 to July 17.

Coach Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles players have been training since Tuesday. They see Friday's game as a chance to win back fans who were upset by Nigeria's failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cups.

The pressure is on, especially after changes at the Nigeria Football Federation. President Ibrahim Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and other board members have resigned from their positions.

Under Chelle, the team has changed its playing style. This was clear during their journey to the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco. But they need to do better to improve on their bronze medal and end a 14-year wait for another continental title when the tournament starts next year.

Chelle stressed how important it is to begin the qualifying campaign on a strong note. "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," said the Franco-Malian coach.

Madagascar will look to upset Nigeria again. They shocked the Super Eagles with a 2-0 win at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

The Barea made it to the quarter-finals that time but have struggled since, winning just two of their last 18 AFCON qualifying matches.

They might feel better knowing Nigeria's key striker, Victor Osimhen, is out due to injury. Still, Chelle has Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena available in attack.

The match will start at 5 pm.