Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, with the Super Eagles aiming to make the most of home advantage at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and secure all three points.
The three-time African champions have reached the semi-finals at the past two editions of the competition and regard qualification for next year’s tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as the minimum requirement.
Eric Chelle and his players will also be looking to ease the frustration of supporters after Nigeria missed out on two successive World Cups. The Super Eagles were absent from the expanded 48-team tournament in 2022 but have remained a strong force in African football.
Nigeria qualified comfortably for the previous two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, reaching the final in 2023 before being knocked out by hosts Morocco at the most recent edition.
However, the presence of co-hosts Tanzania in Group L means only one qualification place remains available. That leaves little room for error, despite the usual format allowing two teams from each group to progress.
Nigeria’s supporters will remember the team’s late collapse in the final two qualifying matches before the 2025 tournament. They drew with Benin before losing to Rwanda, with the defeat coming in Uyo.
Madagascar will hope to exploit any uncertainty and repeat their shock victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Barea, making their first appearance at the competition, won 2-0 against a side then managed by Gernot Rohr and went on to reach the quarter-finals.
They have not returned to those heights since, winning only two of their 18 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. Having failed to win their final qualifying campaigns before the 2023 and 2025 tournaments, coach Corentin Martins will hope Nigeria’s impatience can help his side claim a positive result.
Nigeria’s recent form in all competitions is V, N, V, V, N, D, while Madagascar’s is V, D, V, V, N, D.
The hosts will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen because of a muscle injury, although Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the squad. Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are competing to start in goal, while Ola Aina is back in contention for the first time since September 2025. Zaidu Sanusi is injured.
Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are expected to provide the main attacking threat. Samuel Chukwueze’s position is less certain after he played as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim at AC Milan.
George Ilenikhena could make his first appearance for Nigeria in some capacity, with Isaac James and Moses Usor also possible options at Uyo.
Madagascar have handed first call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and forward Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returns to strengthen the attack. Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and experienced defender Thomas Fontaine are expected to feature.
Raveloson has yet to score for AS Etoile this season but has nine international goals and could reach 10 for Madagascar.
Probable Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Simon; Adams, Lookman.
Probable Madagascar XI: Dupire; Kari, Fontaine, Tremoulet; Acapandie, Ilaimaharitra, Rakotondrajoa, Raveloson, Ponti; Randrianantenaina, Caddy, Abdallah.
Madagascar’s 2019 result offers encouragement, but repeating it against a highly motivated Nigeria side in Uyo would be a major challenge. Even without Osimhen, the Super Eagles possess considerable attacking quality and will expect to start with victory.