Nigeria will host Madagascar in their opening Group D fixture before travelling to Bissau for their second qualifier against Guinea-Bissau at the 24 September Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.
Chelle demands strong start
Chelle has challenged his players to start the qualifying campaign on a winning note, insisting that Nigeria must target maximum points from their opening game.
‘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 said.
‘We must go for the points without any hesitation.’
The Franco-Malian coach wants the Super Eagles to avoid putting their qualification campaign under unnecessary pressure by dropping points at home.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group D alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and other opponents, with the opening two fixtures providing an early test of Chelle’s team.
NFF targets maximum points
Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF acting General Secretary, has also urged the Super Eagles to secure victory against Madagascar.
‘We are back to the familiar surroundings of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for another qualifying race. It was here in Uyo that the Super Eagles won the tickets to the 2019 and 2025 AFCON finals,’ Ikpeme said.
‘The NFF has absolute confidence in the team to run another good race and win the ticket with matches to spare.’
Ikpeme said the immediate target was to secure three points against Madagascar before turning attention to the trip to Guinea-Bissau.
‘Surely, the only way we can do that is to start with the maximum three points tomorrow and then with another three points in Bissau on Tuesday,’ he said.
‘However, since we are taking it one match at a time, the focus now is on Madagascar on Friday.
Nigerians are looking forward to victory tomorrow, and I know the Super Eagles will give them joy.’
The match kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time on Friday in Uyo.