AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Nigeria v Madagascar – Preview, talking points and prediction

Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign when they host Madagascar in their Group L opener on Thursday.

The Super Eagles return to competitive action after their 2026 international friendly defeat by Portugal and will be aiming to start their qualification campaign with victory at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Madagascar will be looking to cause an upset away from home, having beaten Nigeria the last time the two nations met.

Nigeria have won the AFCON three times and will be targeting qualification for the next edition as well as another challenge for the continental title.

Nigeria missing Osimhen

Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen after the striker failed to recover from injury in time and withdrew from the squad.

Taiwo Awoniyi is set to benefit from Osimhen’s absence, while Ademola Lookman is expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility.

Lookman has impressed for Atletico Madrid this season and will be hoping to reproduce that form for the Super Eagles.

Madagascar hoping to repeat Nigeria upset

Madagascar head into the fixture knowing they face a difficult task against Nigeria on home soil.

The Barea have won two of their last three matches, giving them confidence ahead of their opening qualifier.

Hakim Abdallah is expected to be one of the main attacking threats for Corentin Martins’ side, with the 28-year-old looking to make an impact against the Super Eagles.

Madagascar have beaten Nigeria once in their five previous meetings, while the Super Eagles have won three and one match has ended in a draw.

Head-to-head record

Nigeria and Madagascar have met five times.

Nigeria have won three of those matches, Madagascar have won once, while the other encounter ended in a draw.

Nigeria are winless in their last two matches, while Madagascar have won two of their last three.

Confirmed team news

Victor Osimhen has withdrawn from the Nigeria squad after failing to recover from injury in time.

Taiwo Awoniyi is therefore in line for an opportunity in attack.

Madagascar have no reported injury concerns, with all of their players available for the match.

Predicted line-ups

Nigeria (4-3-1-2): Okoye; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, James; Onyedika, Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Adams, Lookman.

Madagascar (3-5-2): Dupire; Kari, Pelmard, Fontaine; Randrianantenaina, Raveloson, Rakotondrajoa, Ilaimaharitra, Lapoussin; Caddy, Abdallah.

Prediction

Nigeria have the stronger record in this fixture and will have home advantage when the sides meet in Uyo.

Madagascar have shown they can cause problems for the Super Eagles, but Nigeria are expected to make a winning start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Madagascar