AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Patrick Vieira era begins as Victor Osimhen misses Nigeria’s opening games

Senegal begin a new era under Patrick Vieira, while Nigeria face an injury setback involving Victor Osimhen as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign gets under way.

The opening fixtures in Groups J, K and L will be played from 25 September, with Senegal, Mali, Nigeria and other contenders looking to make a strong start to their respective campaigns.

Group L promises to be particularly tense because co-hosts Tanzania have already qualified for the finals.

That means only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will secure the group’s remaining qualifying place, increasing the importance of every fixture.

Vieira begins Senegal reign

Vieira will take charge of Senegal for the first time in a competitive match when the Lions of Teranga host Mozambique.

The former France international begins his tenure without Sadio Mané, who has been left out because of a fitness issue.

Senegal nevertheless have plenty of attacking options, with Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr and Assane Diao among those expected to play important roles.

Experienced players including captain Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr remain part of the squad, while Vieira has also introduced several new faces as he begins reshaping the team.

Senegal will face Mozambique at home before travelling to Ethiopia for their second fixture. Sudan and Ethiopia meet in the other opening Group J match.

Mali face Cape Verde in Group K

Mali and Cape Verde meet in one of the most intriguing opening fixtures in Group K.

Cape Verde enter a new era under Humberto Bettencourt, who was promoted after Bubista’s departure.

Bettencourt was part of the coaching staff that helped the Blue Sharks qualify for their first-ever FIFA World Cup, and he will now oversee the team’s next stage of development.

Mali will hope home advantage helps them secure a positive start against a Cape Verde side that has established itself as one of Africa’s emerging teams.

Rwanda host Liberia in the group’s other opening fixture.

The qualification rules in Group K mean both the group winners and runners-up will progress to the finals.

Nigeria without injured Osimhen

Nigeria have suffered an early setback with Osimhen ruled out of their opening qualifiers after sustaining a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray.

The striker was initially included in Eric Chelle’s squad but will miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery.

His absence leaves Nigeria without one of their leading attacking threats, although Chelle still has considerable options in the final third.

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are among the forwards available to the Super Eagles.

Chelle has also included newcomers George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James as Nigeria look to build depth within the squad.

Nigeria begin at home against Madagascar, who arrive with confidence after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

With Tanzania already assured of their place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau effectively face a three-way battle for the group’s remaining qualification spot.

That makes a strong start particularly important, with dropped points likely to prove costly in a tightly contested group.

MATCHDAY 1 FIXTURES

Group J

Senegal v Mozambique

Sudan v Ethiopia

Group K

Mali v Cape Verde

Rwanda v Liberia

Group L

Nigeria v Madagascar

Tanzania v Guinea-Bissau