Nigeria begin AFCON 2027 qualifying against improving Madagascar

Nigeria begin their CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on 25 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

The Super Eagles will hope the match marks the start of an improved international cycle under Eric Chelle, the former Mali international centre-back. Nigeria have failed to qualify for the two successive FIFA World Cups at the start of this decade, despite having a strong squad.

Madagascar present a difficult opening test. They have made significant progress over the past decade, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The Malagasy side also won six FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches last year, underlining the challenge facing Nigeria in the opening fixture.

Tanzania, one of the co-hosts, have already secured a qualifying place, leaving Nigeria expected to face a closely contested group campaign.