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| Photo Credit: Éric Chelle |
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has called on his players to begin the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with clear intent and intensity.
Nigeria open their Group L campaign with a home fixture against Madagascar before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau later in the international window. Chelle stressed that the team must demonstrate from the outset that qualification is a priority.
“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. We must go for the points without any hesitation,” the coach said.
The Super Eagles are three-time AFCON champions and enter the qualifiers as one of the stronger sides in their group. Group L also includes co-hosts Tanzania, meaning the qualification path involves competitive matches against three opponents, with the top teams advancing to the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
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Match context and history
Nigeria host Madagascar first. The two nations have met five times previously. The Super Eagles hold three wins, with one draw and one defeat. That sole loss came in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, when Madagascar won 2-0.
Guinea-Bissau present a different challenge on the road. African football has become increasingly competitive, and Chelle has previously highlighted that there are few easy games left on the continent.
A strong start would ease pressure later in the campaign. Nigeria will look to collect maximum points from the opening double-header where possible, while building momentum and refining the squad under Chelle.
Squad notes and preparations
Chelle named a 24-man squad for the two matches, featuring established players alongside some newer faces. Key figures such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman and others form the core. Late changes can occur due to fitness (for example, reports of Victor Osimhen’s withdrawal and Taiwo Awoniyi’s call-up as replacement have circulated).
The home match is scheduled at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Fans will expect an energetic performance in front of the home crowd, followed by a focused away trip to Bissau.
What success looks like
Chelle’s message is straightforward: intensity from the first minute, no hesitation in pursuing points, and a collective refusal to ease off. For a side with Nigeria’s pedigree, a positive opening result against Madagascar would set the tone for the rest of the qualifying series.
The Super Eagles will be aiming to secure qualification comfortably and use the campaign to further shape the team under their current coach.
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