The Super Eagles of Nigeria begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today, Friday, September 25, 2026, when they face Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifying match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The match, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time, represents the first competitive assignment for head coach Éric Chelle in the new AFCON qualifying campaign. Nigeria will be looking to make a positive start as they attempt to secure their place at the tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027. CAF has confirmed that the three host nations are already qualified, meaning the remaining qualification places in their respective groups carry added importance.
Nigeria Face Madagascar Without Victor Osimhen
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Nigeria’s leading striker, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen was originally included in Chelle’s 24-man squad but was subsequently ruled out of both September AFCON qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir in the Turkish league.
According to CAF, the striker suffered a strain and pain in his right thigh and was forced off in the 33rd minute of that match. His initial recovery period was estimated at at least two weeks.
The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently confirmed that Osimhen would miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
In his place, Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to the squad. The Coventry City striker returns to the Super Eagles setup at an important moment for the national team.
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria still have several attacking options available. Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena are among the forwards available to Chelle.
Chelle Wants a Strong Start
Chelle has made it clear that Nigeria’s immediate objective is to start the qualification campaign strongly.
The Super Eagles enter the competition following a difficult period that included failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the same time, Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most experienced national teams and reached the semi-finals of the previous two AFCON tournaments.
The coach therefore faces pressure to establish momentum in the new qualification campaign.
Speaking ahead of the Madagascar match, Chelle stressed the importance of an aggressive approach, while players in camp have also expressed confidence that Nigeria can secure victory. Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon and other members of the squad have publicly spoken about their determination to begin the campaign with three points.
New Faces in the Super Eagles Squad
The Madagascar match could also provide an opportunity for some new players to make their senior international debuts.
Chelle handed first senior call-ups to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena.
Goalkeeper Okonkwo has joined the squad alongside Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, while Isaac James provides another defensive option. Ilenikhena gives Chelle an additional young attacking option.
Maduka Okoye, meanwhile, arrived in Uyo on Friday after his late arrival from club duty.
The presence of both experienced players and new faces gives Chelle several options as he attempts to build a squad capable of competing for AFCON qualification and, eventually, continental honours.
Madagascar Cannot Be Taken Lightly
Although Nigeria enter the fixture with considerable international experience, Madagascar will not be an opponent to underestimate.
The Barea famously defeated Nigeria 2–0 at the 2019 AFCON, producing one of the notable results of that tournament. More recently, Madagascar reached the final of the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN), giving the team additional confidence ahead of the meeting in Uyo.
Nigeria will therefore need to approach the match with concentration, particularly because Osimhen’s absence removes one of the team’s most proven attacking outlets.
Guinea-Bissau Awaits Next
After today’s encounter, the Super Eagles will quickly turn their attention to their second Group L qualifier.
Nigeria are scheduled to travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, 2026, meaning Chelle has only a few days to prepare the team for another competitive fixture.
The two September matches could prove important in establishing Nigeria’s position in Group L.
For Nigerian supporters, the immediate focus is simple: the Super Eagles need to begin the campaign positively in Uyo.
With Osimhen unavailable, attention will be on players such as Lookman, Chukwueze, Iwobi, Ndidi, Awoniyi and the other attacking options to provide the creativity and goals required.
The road to AFCON 2027 officially begins today, and all eyes will be on Uyo as Nigeria face Madagascar in their opening qualifying battle.