Nigeria and Madagascar launch their qualification journey for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations this Friday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The match, scheduled for 5pm (16:00 GMT), marks the beginning of a qualifying campaign for a tournament that will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Who: Nigeria vs Madagascar What: AFCON 2027 qualifier Where: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria When: Friday, September 25, at 5pm (16:00 GMT). Old quotes haunt Madagascar’s new international recruit.
AFCON 2027 Qualification Windows
- Rounds 1 and 2: September 21 to October 6, 2026
- Rounds 3 and 4: November 9 to 17, 2026
- Rounds 5 and 6: March 22 to 30, 2027
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has publicly demanded a decisive performance from his squad to signal their intent early in the group stage. Following semifinal appearances in the previous two AFCON tournaments, the team is eager to move past their recent absence from the World Cup. Chelle emphasized that his players must show heart from the opening whistle, stating they must pursue points without hesitation and refuse to slow their pace at any stage of the encounter. “We have to show everyone from day one that we want it, and the only way to do that is to go for it with our hearts, and refuse to slow down at any point,” Chelle told reporters before the game.
The visitors, known as the Barea, are hoping to mirror their memorable 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles during the 2019 AFCON tournament. That result served as a major upset during Madagascar’s debut appearance, where they successfully navigated to the quarterfinals. Across five previous historical meetings, Nigeria has secured three wins, while Madagascar has claimed one, with a single match ending in a draw. Meanwhile, Madagascar, whose national team are nicknamed Barea, will attempt to emulate their last shock win over the Super Eagles – a 2-0 victory at AFCON 2019. The Madagascans were making their AFCON debut that year and got as far as the quarterfinals but have not reached another tournament since.
Preparation for the match has been complicated for the Malagasy side following a controversial administrative decision. The team withdrew an invitation for former France under-21 goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher to make his international debut. The decision followed public backlash over resurfaced remarks Boucher made in 2018, where he identified himself as strictly French and expressed a refusal to represent any other nation. Boucher, who holds Malagasy heritage, previously played for clubs including Toulouse, AJ Auxerre, and Bastia. But also has Malagasy heritage, and after starting his career at Le Havre and, playing for Toulouse, AJ Auxerre and Bastia, was a back-up goalkeeper for Troyes last season as they won promotion to Ligue 1, boucher hails from the nearby French island of Reunion. In 2018, when Madagascar first qualified for the Cup of Nations, it was speculated he would be persuaded to play for them, although he had played for France at age-group level.
On the injury front, Nigeria faces significant absences, including star striker Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined with a muscle issue, and left-back Zaidu Sanusi. In their absence, Coventry’s Taiwo Awoniyi has rejoined the squad, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams expected to lead the attacking line. Nigeria’s projected lineup features Nwabali in goal, supported by Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, and Onyemaechi, while the midfield is expected to include Onyeka, Ndidi, and Iwobi.
Conversely, Madagascar enters the match with no reported injury concerns and has included Roman Ferber in the squad for the first time. Their starting setup is anticipated to include Dupire in goal, with a defensive and midfield core featuring Kari, Fontaine, Tremoulet, Raveloson, and Ilaimaharitra.
The tournament itself is set to be a milestone for East African football, returning to the region after 50 years. Matches will be contested across 10 venues from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Following the Uyo fixture, the Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match on Tuesday.
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