Nigeria v Madagascar: Kick-off time, team news and how to watch CAN 2027 qualifier

Nigeria begin their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar on Friday, with the Super Eagles without Victor Osimhen and facing a side that stunned them at the 2019 tournament.

The Group L fixture will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, marking the first meeting between the nations since Madagascar’s memorable 2-0 victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019.

Nigeria v Madagascar kicks off on Friday, 25 September 2026 at 17:00 local time in Nigeria. That is 16:00 GMT and 18:00 in France.

In France, the match will be shown on beIN Sports Max 6 and will also be available through beIN Sports’ streaming services. Viewers in Madagascar can watch the game live on Canal+ Sport 1, as part of a new partnership with the Malagasy Football Federation.

Osimhen absence leaves Nigeria with decisions to make

Nigeria will have to manage the opening fixture without their leading striker. Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because of a muscle injury.

Head coach Eric Chelle initially included Osimhen in his squad for the opening two rounds of qualifying, but the progress of the injury has made his withdrawal unavoidable. Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled as his replacement.

Chelle still has several attacking options available. Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena can operate through the middle, while Ademola Lookman offers an additional threat in support.

Ilenikhena has received his first call-up to the Super Eagles and could make his international debut during this international window.

Madagascar will draw confidence from their most recent competitive meeting with Nigeria. The Barea won 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and finished top of their group, ahead of the Super Eagles.

Across the five matches between the two countries, Nigeria have won three times, Madagascar once and the other fixture ended in a draw.

One qualifying place available in Group L

Madagascar manager Corentin Martins has selected a squad combining experienced players and new additions. Rayan Raveloson, Marco Ilaimaharitra and Loic Lapoussin are among the senior figures included, while the squad also contained several surprises as the team began its qualifying campaign.

The Barea arrived in Nigeria several days before the match to prepare for their opening away fixture.

The stakes are significant in Group L because Tanzania have automatic qualification for CAN 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are therefore competing for just one remaining place.

Nigeria’s next fixture will be away to Guinea-Bissau on 29 September. With only one additional qualification place available, the Super Eagles have little room for an unwanted home defeat or dropped points in their opening match.