Nigeria and Madagascar begin their respective qualifying campaigns for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday, September 25, at 5pm (16:00 GMT). The continental tournament will take place across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Old quotes haunt Madagascar’s new international recruit.
While the Super Eagles reached the semifinals in the last two continental championships, they missed out on successive World Cup appearances. Coach Eric Chelle enters the qualifying campaign eager for an immediate victory, with his squad entering the fixture as clear favorites. Madagascar, known internationally as the Barea, aim to recreate their memorable 2-0 upset against Nigeria from the 2019 tournament. I don’t know how this came out like this.
During their debut tournament run in 2019, the Madagascans reached the quarterfinals before their elimination. Ahead of the fixture, Chelle emphasized the need for immediate intensity from his squad. “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,” Chelle told reporters, adding, “We must go for the points without any hesitation.” The Madagascans were making their AFCON debut that year and got as far as the quarterfinals but have not reached another tournament since. There is nothing to it, as far as I’m concerned.
Following their home fixture against Madagascar, the Super Eagles travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Madagascar recently rescinded an invitation for former France under-21 goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher following public backlash over historical remarks regarding the island nation. Madagascar have withdrawn an invitation to former France under-21 goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher to debut for them in this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after past comments he made about playing for the island nation resurfaced and caused outrage. But also has Malagasy heritage, and after starting his career at Le Havre and, playing for Toulouse, AJ Auxerre and Bastia, was a back-up goalkeeper for Troyes last season as they won promotion to Ligue 1, boucher hails from the nearby French island of Reunion. In 2018, when Madagascar first qualified for the Cup of Nations, it was speculated he would be persuaded to play for them, although he had played for France at age-group level.
Boucher, who has familial ties to Madagascar through the island of Reunion, previously stated in 2018 that he identified strictly as French and would decline a call-up to represent the national side. Across five previous encounters, Nigeria holds three victories against Madagascar’s single win, alongside one draw.
In their historic 2019 meeting, Madagascar secured a 2-0 victory to top Group B. Lalaina Nomenjanahary capitalized on a defensive error by Leon Balogun in the 13th minute, while Carolus Andriamahitsinoro added a second goal in the 53rd minute following a deflected free-kick off Wilfred Ndidi.
The upcoming 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations runs from June 19 to July 17, 2027, utilizing 10 venues across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking the tournament’s return to East Africa after 50 years.
AFCON 2027 Qualifying Schedule
- Rounds 1 and 2: September 21-October 6, 2026
- Rounds 3 and 4: November 9-17, 2026
- Rounds 5 and 6: March 22-30, 2027
Nigeria misses star striker Victor Osimhen due to a muscle injury, prompting a recall for Coventry’s Taiwo Awoniyi, with Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams expected to start in attack. Left-back Zaidu Sanusi is also sidelined with an injury, opening the door for Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.
Nigeria’s projected lineup features Nwabali in goal, supported by Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, and Onyemaechi. The midfield comprises Onyeka, Ndidi, and Iwobi, with Simon, Adams, and Lookman leading the attack.
Madagascar reports no active injuries and has included striker Roman Ferber among their debut call-ups. Their projected squad lists Dupire as goalkeeper, alongside defenders Kari, Fontaine, and Tremoulet, midfielders Acapandie, Ilaimaharitra, Rakotondrajoa, Raveloson, and Ponti, and forwards Randrianantenaina, Caddy, and Abdallah.
Important Details
- Nigeria’s team news.
