Nigeria are starting their bid to get to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they host Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. It’s the first game in the Group L qualifying campaign.
Eric Chelle’s side will then go to Bissau four days later to take on Guinea-Bissau on September 29. This kicks off what is an awkward qualifying group compared to the other matchups that the bigger teams got.
The qualifying campaign is far from straightforward for the Super Eagles as they’re still hurting after not qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, so the coaching staff and players know that patience is in short supply among fans.
A Group With an Unusual Catch
Every dropped point in Group L could prove to be costly. Nigeria are in a group with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. The complication is with Tanzania, as they are one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON. As they’ve got automatic qualification, only one other team will get through Group L, so there’s no margin for error for Nigeria.
It’ll be a three-way battle between Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau for the one spot. Tanzania has nothing at stake in terms of qualification, but it can still disrupt the chances of its rivals. Complacency needs to be weeded out straight away and the Super Eagles require a fast start.
Manager Eric Chelle echoed these sentiments when he said that his side can’t afford to drop even a single point. As well as Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya are co-hosts to the 2027 AFCON. The tournament is taking place a little later than the usual date, with games happening in June and July 2027.
Nigeria finished third in the most recent AFCON, so they’ll be listed among the top contenders in the latest betting tips for the tournament. They last won the AFCON in 2013 and were runners-up as recently as 2024, when they lost out to Côte d’Ivoire.
The Injury to Osimhen
Injury worries regarding key players is a concern for Eric Chelle. Victor Osimhen, who is a core part of Nigeria’s attacking play, won’t be participating in either of September’s fixtures. Galatasaray confirmed recently that he’s got a serious groin injury, so he’s ruled out for the rest of the month.
This is frustrating for Chelle and Nigerian sports fans, as Osimhen had a hot start to the new season, scoring six goals in four league appearances to date in Turkey, as well as two assists. He then limped off in the 35th minute of a September 4 game in Istanbul.
His absence means that there will be less of a goal threat and not as much of a physical presence when Nigeria lines up against Madagascar.
Other forwards are also on the treatment table, which complicates matters. Striker Paul Onuachu has a broken chin, and Zaidu Sanusi is a major doubt too. Further back in the field, there are other possible issues, so it’s a tough situation for Chelle.
Changing the Attack
The array of injuries means that Chelle needs to think outside the box with his first-choice options not being available. Some attacking threats have started the season with their clubs, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Tolu Arokodare, Rafiu Durosinmi, and Cyriel Dessers. Chelle has also named Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi as being in contention for a starting place.
Thankfully there are no concerns in the goalkeeper position. Arthur Okonkwo, Stanley Nwabali, and Maduka Okoye are all vying for a starting place, with the team in safe hands regardless of who ultimately lines out.
The Opponents
Madagascar are a team that shouldn’t be underestimated. They’re an emerging side since getting to the AFCON quarter-final in their debut tournament in 2019. They beat Nigeria in the group stage of that tournament, with some Super Eagles players remembering that defeat.
The success stories of the likes of Cape Verde in the World Cup give hope to similarly sized nations. Guinea-Bissau are a familiar opponent for Nigeria, having crossed paths on many occasions recently. This included a defeat in the 2023 AFCON qualifying. A trip to Bissau is a tough proposition and not one to be taken lightly.
The September window is only the starting point, as the second set of games will take place in November and the final rounds in March 2027.