Super Eagles Ignite Training Camp, Intensify Preparations for Crucial Madagascar & Guinea-Bissau Showdowns

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign this Friday, September 25, 2026, against Madagascar. The crucial Group L opener will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with head coach Éric Chelle's side aiming for a strong start to secure a coveted spot in the continental tournament. With Tanzania serving as one of the three co-hosts for AFCON 2027, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are effectively vying for the single remaining qualification place available to the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group L, making a positive result imperative for the Super Eagles.

Preparations for the highly anticipated clash began earlier this week. The Super Eagles opened camp in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, on Monday, with a significant portion of the squad already present. By Tuesday, 20 players had reported to camp, including key figures such as Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Tolu Arokodare. Newer faces like goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defenders Isaac James and Chibuike Nwaiwu are also part of the group, hoping to make their senior international debuts. Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were expected to join the squad later, further bolstering Chelle’s options. The early training sessions provided Chelle with his first opportunity to work extensively with the bulk of his senior squad ahead of a competitive fixture since Nigeria’s last international assignment, with the initial 15 minutes of Tuesday’s session open to the media.

On the team news front, Nigeria will be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray. Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement, providing Chelle with another potent attacking option. Despite Osimhen's absence, the squad boasts an experienced core including Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and Stanley Nwabali. However, other Nigerian players currently sidelined due to injury include Alhassan Yusuf, Zaidu Sanusi, Tochukwu Nnadi, Christian Akpan, Femi Azeez, and Igoh Ogbu.

Among the new faces hoping to make an impact is Moses Usor, a recent Super Eagles call-up. Usor, who joined Austrian side LASK in 2024, enjoyed a remarkable rise in his career, helping the club win the Austrian league and cup double during the 2025-26 season—a feat LASK achieved for the first time since the 1964-65 campaign. This call-up for the AFCON qualifiers is particularly special for the 24-year-old, as he previously had to withdraw from the 2026 Unity Cup due to an injury. Despite the intense competition for attacking spots from players like Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon, Usor is unfazed. He expressed his commitment to contributing his unique strengths, particularly his pace and incisive play, to the team’s objectives, promising to give his complete commitment regardless of the position assigned by Coach Chelle. He shared his delight at the invitation, noting how the difficult period of injury rehabilitation made this latest call-up even more meaningful, crediting his family, LASK, and mentors at 36 Lion for their unwavering encouragement during his recovery.

Madagascar’s Barea have also arrived in Uyo early, touching down on Monday to begin their preparations under coach Corentin Martins. The team’s squad includes experienced players such as Rayan Raveloson, Marco Ilaimaharitra, and Loïc Lapoussin, with Warren Caddy returning to the national team setup. An interesting subplot revolves around goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, who was initially called up but faced significant backlash from Malagasy fans. Reports emerged that Boucher, born in France, had made controversial comments in 2018 claiming he was French and would refuse a Madagascar call-up. Despite these reports suggesting he would be dropped, Soccernet.ng exclusively revealed that the Estac Troyes goalkeeper was not removed from the squad and was, in fact, seen actively participating in the team’s tactical training sessions alongside fellow goalkeepers Geordan Dupire and Nina Rakotoasimbola.

The fixture carries immense weight for both nations. Nigeria’s recent international results offer encouragement, with a 2-1 victory over Iran in March, followed by 2-0 and 3-0 wins against Zimbabwe and Jamaica respectively in May. However, they drew 2-2 with Poland and narrowly lost 2-1 to Portugal in June. Madagascar’s recent record has been mixed, including a 4-0 loss to Morocco in June, but notable wins against Kyrgyzstan (5-2), Equatorial Guinea (2-0), and Comoros (2-1). Historically, Nigeria holds the upper hand in their head-to-head encounters, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in five meetings. The Super Eagles won their first three AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar (1-0 in 2001, 2-0 in 2010, 2-0 in 2011). However, Madagascar famously caused an upset by defeating Nigeria 2-0 in their final Group B game at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, a result that saw the Barea top the group. This previous encounter adds an intriguing dimension to Friday’s match, with Nigeria keen to avoid another surprise.

The match is scheduled for Friday, September 25, 2026, with kick-off at 5:00 PM Nigerian time (4:00 PM GMT). The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000, will host the game on a grass surface, with Alhadi Allaou Mahamat from Chad officiating. The Madagascar football federation has confirmed that Canal+ Sport 1 will broadcast the match live. Despite Osimhen's absence, Nigeria's attacking depth, with players like Lookman and Iwobi providing creativity, combined with home advantage, is expected to give the Super Eagles enough quality to overcome Madagascar. The visitors, with players like Raveloson, Lapoussin, and Caddy, can pose a threat, but the final score prediction leans towards Nigeria securing a 2-0 victory to begin their AFCON qualifying journey with three points.