The Super Eagles are set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar, with the players expressing confidence ahead of Friday’s encounter.
Nigeria will face the Barea of Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m., in their opening fixture of the qualifying series for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Super Eagles’ camp is in high spirits, with players assuring fans that they are fully focused on securing victory.
Speaking to Channels Television at the Sheraton by Four Points Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, where the team is staying, several players expressed their determination to start the qualifying campaign on a positive note.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said the team was united and motivated to claim all three points.
“Everyone is in high spirits. We are all determined to win the game. Madagascar is a good team, but we’ll beat them,” Iwobi said.
New invitee George Ilenikhena also expressed his excitement at representing Nigeria, stressing that victory remained the team’s priority.
“Of course, our focus is to win the game on Friday. Nothing less than a win is good enough for us,” Ilenikhena said.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali welcomed the inclusion of younger players in the squad, describing it as an opportunity for them to contribute to the national team.
“It is a good thing to have some young players join the team. It is a good thing that they also have an opportunity to play for our country,” Nwabali said.
Moses Simon also assured supporters that the players would give their best against Madagascar.
“Rest assured that we will put up our best to win on Friday,” Simon said.
Head coach Eric Chelle last week announced two separate squads for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifying matches and an international friendly against Russia.
For the two AFCON qualifiers, Chelle selected goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali.
The defensive options include Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Nigeria’s attacking options include Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.
Awoniyi was drafted into the squad to replace Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray striker withdrew due to a right adductor muscle strain, ruling him out of Nigeria’s opening two qualifiers.
Following Friday’s clash with Madagascar, the Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Nigeria will then take on Russia in an international friendly scheduled for October 6.
