Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo today, knowing there is little room for error in Group L. With co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals, the Super Eagles, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively battling for the remaining ticket, writes TUNDE LIADI
Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar today in Uyo, knowing there is very little room for error in Group L.
With co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the finals, the Super Eagles, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are effectively battling for the single remaining qualification ticket. Coach Eric Chelle’s men must negotiate this opener without injured star striker Victor Osimhen, placing greater responsibility on Nigeria’s other attacking options.
Madagascar’s famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at AFCON 2019 serves as a clear reminder that the Barea cannot be taken lightly. For the Super Eagles, securing a home win provides the ideal platform before Tuesday’s away trip to Guinea-Bissau.
The match takes place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off fixed for 5pm Nigerian time. Ordinarily, the opening game of a qualifying series allows some margin for recovery, but the unique dynamics of Group L change that dynamic completely. For Chelle’s side, securing three points at home represents much more than a positive beginning, especially with another fixture scheduled just four days later.
Nigeria enter this continental campaign still dealing with the disappointment of missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the team has remained competitive at the AFCON level in recent years, reaching the final of the 2023 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire and finishing third behind Senegal and Morocco at the 2025 edition. Consequently, qualification for 2027 is regarded as a basic requirement. Chelle’s primary task is to ensure Nigeria establish immediate control of the group rather than leaving themselves chasing results later in the campaign.
Madagascar present an opponent Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate. The Barea famously defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, which remains their only victory in five head-to-head meetings between the two nations, alongside three Nigerian victories and one draw. Prior to that setback, Nigeria recorded a 1-0 win in 2001, followed by 2-0 victories in 2010 and 2011. Seven years after the Egyptian shock, the teams meet once again with critical qualifying points on the line.
The major tactical talking point for Nigeria is the absence of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who was initially named in the squad but failed to recover from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as a replacement. Despite Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has plenty of attacking power available. Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and George Ilenikhena offer distinct focal points through the middle, while Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze provide established quality on the wings. Ilenikhena is among those hoping to make his senior international debut, alongside potential debuts for Isaac James and Moses Usor.
Without Osimhen acting as the central target man, Nigeria’s attacking dynamics will likely shift toward collective creativity. Ademola Lookman’s form will be vital, while Alex Iwobi’s distribution from midfield will be crucial for breaking down Madagascar’s structure.
Defensively, Ola Aina returns to strengthen the squad after a lengthy absence. With Zaidu Sanusi unavailable, Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to operate on the left, alongside Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi in central defense. In goal, Stanley Nwabali remains a strong candidate to start despite this being his first call-up of the year. The midfield offers ample depth with Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, and Iwobi, giving Chelle tactical flexibility depending on Madagascar’s defensive setup. Nigeria expect to dominate possession, meaning ball retention, patience, and wide play will be essential if Madagascar choose to sit deep.
Madagascar arrived in Uyo early in the week, giving head coach Corentin Martins adequate time to adjust to local conditions. While their recent form has been mixed-featuring victories over Kyrgyzstan, Equatorial Guinea, and Comoros alongside losses to Morocco and Mali-they possess enough experience to be dangerous. Key figures such as Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin, Warren Caddy, Thomas Fontaine, and Hakim Abdallah form the core of the visiting squad, with Raveloson posing a specific goal threat from midfield.
Madagascar’s most realistic route to a result involves frustrating Nigeria, keeping the match goalless for as long as possible, and exploiting open space on the counter-attack. An early Nigerian goal would break that strategy, whereas a scoreless stretch could increase pressure from the home crowd.
This opener represents a key test for Chelle as he balances squad rotation between today’s match and Tuesday’s contest in Guinea-Bissau. Ultimately, Nigeria possess superior individual quality, but the tight format of Group L means securing three points is the absolute priority over performance style.
POSSIBLE LINE UPS:
Nigeria: Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Moses Simon.
Madagascar: Geordan Dupire; Andy Pelmard, Thomas Fontaine, Rado Rabemanantsoa, Mathieu Acapandié; Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin; Warren Caddy, Hakim Abdallah, Arnaud Randrianantenaina.