Nigeria will kick off their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, September 25, when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, but only one team will qualify from the group as Tanzania are already through as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.
That makes the opener in Uyo crucial for Eric Chelle’s side, who will be aiming to avoid a repeat of the shock 2-0 defeat to the Barea in the group stage of the 2019 AFCON. Nigeria have dominated the head to head otherwise, with three wins, one draw and one loss from five meetings.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, 4pm GMT, and Chadian official Alhadi Allaou Mahamat will take charge of the match at the 30,000 capacity Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Chelle will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who was initially named in the 24 man squad but later withdrawn to continue his recovery from a muscle injury. Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up in his place.
The Super Eagles coach will still have a strong core at his disposal, including Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Stanley Nwabali. Youngsters Isaac James and George Ilenikhena are also in line for their first competitive senior caps.
Other absentees through injury include Alhassan Yusuf, Zaidu Sanusi, Tochukwu Nnadi and Igoh Ogbu.
Madagascar, under Corentin Martins, have travelled with experienced players such as Rayan Raveloson, Marco Ilaimaharitra, Loic Lapoussin and Warren Caddy. Goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher was initially handed a first call up before being withdrawn over controversial comments made in 2018, although he was spotted training with the squad in Uyo on Tuesday.
Fans in Nigeria can watch the game live on SuperSport via DStv and DStv Stream, as the fixture is listed on SuperSport’s official AFCON qualifying schedule. The match is also listed by beIN SPORTS for international viewers, while Canal+ Sport 1 will broadcast it in Madagascar at 7pm local time. Viewers are advised to check local listings ahead of kick off for final confirmation.
Following Friday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 for their second Group L fixture.
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