Nigeria v Madagascar: AFCON 2027 qualifier at Godswill Akpabio Stadium on September 25
Nigeria will meet Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25 in a Group-stage fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Super Eagles return to competitive action after an international friendly against Portugal in June 2026, a match they lost while giving a strong fight to the UEFA Nations League winners. The Éric Chelle-led side are now looking to begin their qualification run for the upcoming edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigeria national football team have only won the competition three times and will seek not only qualification but a tilt at the trophy.
Madagascar face a challenging opening game and will be under early pressure away from home; Corentin Martins’ men will need to step up from the start. The Barea defeated the Super Eagles the last time the sides met, a result Madagascar will hope to replicate in this qualifier.
In squad news for Nigeria, Victor Osimhen has withdrawn after failing to recover from an injury in time, leaving Ademola Lookman as one of the primary attacking options. Lookman has produced decent performances for Atletico Madrid this season and will be asked to lead the final third; Taiwo Awoniyi is also set to receive an opportunity.
For Madagascar, Hakim Abdallah, aged 28, will be deployed in the attacking front and is expected to lead the visitors’ offensive efforts. The coverage says Madagascar have all their players ready and fit to be in action for the trip to Nigeria.
Projected lineups provided are: Nigeria: Okoye (GK); Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, James; Onyedika, Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Adams, Lookman. Madagascar: Dupire (GK); Kari, Pelmard, Fontaine; Randrianantenaina, Raveloson, Rakotondrajoa, Ilaimaharitra, Lapoussin; Caddy, Abdallah.
The preview assesses that Nigeria possess slightly better squad quality and the home advantage, giving them a marginal edge over Madagascar; the Super Eagles are likely to come out on top and secure a win.
The clash is scheduled for September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Nigeria: Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique USA: beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT. Fans can view all the matches live via beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT. For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.