Nigeria face Madagascar in Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying opener

Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, with Eric Chelle’s side targeting three points in Uyo.

The Super Eagles, who reached the semi-finals at the past two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, have set qualification for next year’s tournament in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as their minimum objective.

Nigeria are three-time African champions but missed the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2022, leaving Chelle and his players under pressure to rebuild confidence among supporters frustrated by two consecutive failures to reach the World Cup.

The Super Eagles qualified comfortably for the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and reached the final in 2023. They were knocked out by hosts Morocco at the most recent edition.

However, the format provides little room for error in Group L. Although two nations generally qualify from each group, co-hosts Tanzania are also in Nigeria’s section, meaning only one further qualifying place is available.

Nigeria’s recent record before the 2025 tournament will offer Madagascar encouragement. The Super Eagles took only one point from their final two qualifying matches, drawing with Benin before losing to Rwanda in Uyo.

Madagascar will aim to repeat their surprise victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Barea, appearing at the competition for the first time, won 2-0 against a Nigeria team managed by Gernot Rohr before progressing to the quarter-finals.

They have not reached those heights since, winning only two of their past 18 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. After failing to win any of their qualifying games before the 2023 and 2025 editions, coach Corentin Martins will hope Nigeria’s need for an immediate result can be exploited.

Nigeria’s form in all competitions is: W, D, W, W, D, L. Madagascar’s is: W, L, W, W, D, L.

The hosts will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who has not recovered from a muscle injury, while Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the squad. Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are competing to start in goal, and Ola Aina is back for the first time since September 2025. Zaidu Sanusi is injured.

Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are expected to provide Nigeria’s attacking threat. Samuel Chukwueze’s role remains uncertain after he played as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim at AC Milan. George Ilenikhena could make his debut, while Isaac James and Moses Usor may also feature.

Martins has handed first call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and forward Roman Ferber. Warren Caddy returns, while Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and experienced defender Thomas Fontaine are among Madagascar’s familiar names. Raveloson, who has nine international goals, could reach 10 despite not scoring for AS Etoile this season.

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 shows they can trouble Nigeria, but repeating it against a highly motivated home side will be a major challenge. Even without Osimhen, Nigeria’s attacking options should be enough to secure an opening victory.