Super Eagles Gear Up: Madagascar Lands for Pivotal AFCON 2027 Qualifier!

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are poised to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a crucial home fixture against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, 2026. This highly anticipated encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, marking a significant step for the Nigerian national team as they seek redemption after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria finds itself in Group L alongside Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already guaranteed a spot at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts, only the highest-ranked team from this group will secure the remaining qualifying spot, intensifying the competition from the very first match.

Preparations for the Super Eagles are well underway. The team's camp officially opened on Monday, September 21, 2026, in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, with head coach Éric Chelle arriving in Uyo on the same day. The opening training session was scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, as players continued to report. As of Tuesday morning, 20 out of the 24 invited players had arrived, including key England-based contingents such as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, and Arthur Okonkwo. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also shared his travel to camp, with others like Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka expected shortly. The full list of players reported includes Simon Moses, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Frederick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka.

However, the Super Eagles will be without two notable attacking talents for the September qualifiers. Star striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray, and Paul Onuachu is also absent. Coach Chelle will look to other forwards like Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena to lead the line and secure the much-needed victory.

Meanwhile, the Madagascar national team, known as the Barea, arrived in Nigeria on Monday, September 21, 2026, touching down in Lagos before connecting to Uyo. Led by coach Corentin Martins, who was appointed in January 2025 with the explicit target of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON, Madagascar is expected to pose a tough challenge. The Barea notably made a stunning run to the quarter-finals in their sole AFCON appearance in 2019 but have since failed to qualify for subsequent editions, fueling their determination for this campaign. One notable absence for Madagascar is goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, who was reportedly removed from the squad due to comments made in 2018 where he denounced Madagascar and stated he was only French.

Despite being ranked 104th in the world and comprising players predominantly from lower European leagues and Africa, Madagascar possesses several individuals capable of unsettling the Super Eagles. Coach Martins has selected an experienced squad, and Nigeria will need to be particularly vigilant of these key players:

Rayan Raveloson (Amedspor): A significant threat from midfield, the 29-year-old Amed Sportif midfielder has been highly productive. In September 2026, he provided an assist in a 5-0 victory over Başakşehir and played the full 90 minutes in a 3-2 win against Beşiktaş. Raveloson not only creates chances but also demonstrates an ability to arrive in scoring positions and find the back of the net.

Loïc Lapoussin (Guangxi Hengchen): Another dangerous option from midfield and attacking areas, Lapoussin has had an impressive 2026 China League campaign, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists for Guangxi Hengchen. His versatility in attacking zones will require constant vigilance from Nigeria's full-backs and midfielders whenever Madagascar advances the ball into the final third.

Warren Caddy (Randers FC): Caddy's return to the Madagascar squad provides Martins with an experienced attacking option. The 29-year-old forward, recalled after missing recent selections, has a proven international record, having scored against the Central African Republic and Chad during Madagascar's 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign, along with an assist against Comoros. His physical presence and experience could be crucial if Madagascar opts for a direct style of play to exploit spaces behind Nigeria's defense.

Hakim Abdallah (UTA Arad): Abdallah is a forward arriving with recent club goals, having scored twice in nine league appearances (eight starts) and 673 minutes for UTA Arad in Romania this season. His ability to contribute from attacking midfield areas offers Madagascar another route to goal, especially if Nigeria struggles to control the space around the edge of their penalty area.

Marco Ilaimaharitra (Standard Liege): While perhaps not a primary goalscorer like some of his teammates, Ilaimaharitra's importance to Madagascar is immense. The experienced midfielder is a senior figure retained by Martins, tasked with providing control and experience in the central areas. His role in helping the Barea remain organized and withstand Nigerian pressure, while also facilitating counter-attacks, could be pivotal, especially given Nigeria's midfield options could be vulnerable to fatigue or injury.

As both teams finalize their preparations in Uyo, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. Nigeria, despite its higher quality and ambition, must remain wary of Madagascar's diverse attacking threats and midfield solidity if they are to secure a strong start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying journey.