Super Eagles Fans Hopeful for Win Against Madagascar

Some Super Eagles fans are feeling hopeful ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. They believe the team will win against Madagascar.

The match between Nigeria and Madagascar will take place on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that both teams had separate training sessions in Uyo on Tuesday to prepare for the game.

Fans shared their thoughts with NAN in Lagos on Wednesday. They believe the Super Eagles have the right players to win.

Emmanuel Alozie, a football scout and the Technical Manager of Dominion Excellence Star Academy in Lagos, said he believes the Super Eagles will get the three points.

Alozie noted that the team has enough talent to beat Madagascar. He advised the coaches to choose a strong lineup.

"Nigeria is filled with very skilful players. We cannot fall to Madagascar because our players in the European leagues are top players.

They command a lot of respect, while the coaching crew should ensure that the best players are selected for the match.

Overall, I am positive about their chances of winning the match and claiming the expected three points," Alozie said.

Benjamin James, a former international, also shared his thoughts. He said Nigeria can manage without star player Victor Osimhen, who is injured.

James mentioned that this is a chance for Taiwo Awoniyi to show what he can do on the team.

"It is good to have Awoniyi back in the team. It is going to be a great day for the Super Eagles because some other players will also be making their first appearances.

The team must play with caution and should not underrate anybody because Madagascar are no pushovers," James said.

Football fan Susan Olamidele expressed her confidence too. She pointed out the team spirit and the quality players available to the Super Eagles.

Olamidele urged the coaches to keep the players focused and disciplined on and off the pitch.

"We have the players who can deliver. Our players command great respect in Europe and have the ability to perform at the top level," she said.

The Super Eagles will start their campaign missing Victor Osimhen due to injury. CAF confirmed that Osimhen will not play in the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Madagascar is also feeling confident after reaching the CHAN final and achieving good results recently.

The island nation previously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, giving them a strong result against the Super Eagles.

Nigeria has won three of their last five matches against Madagascar, with one draw and one defeat.

This match comes at an important time for Nigerian football. The Nigeria Football Federation is going through a leadership change.

Head coach Éric Chelle has brought back some players while also including new ones, giving the Super Eagles different options with Osimhen out.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead regular players like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Frank Onyeka.

New players called up include George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Usor, and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau face a tough challenge for qualification from Group L. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, is also in the group and automatically qualifies for the tournament. Only the highest-ranked team among the other three will qualify from Group L.