Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle says Nigeria are ready to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar, insisting that his players must embrace the pressure that comes with representing the country.
Nigeria will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday in their opening Group L fixture, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chelle acknowledged the expectations surrounding the Super Eagles but said the team was mentally prepared for the challenge.
The Franco-Malian coach said managing Nigeria naturally comes with pressure and that his players must respond positively rather than allow the expectations surrounding the national team to affect their performance.
“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 said ahead of the match.
The coach is seeking a strong opening to the qualification campaign following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said the team must approach the opening fixtures with determination and focus.
Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Because Tanzania are one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, they have automatic qualification, meaning the highest-ranked qualifying team among the other three countries will secure the group’s available qualification place.
The Super Eagles will travel to Bissau four days after Friday’s encounter to face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying match on September 29.
Chelle has retained several experienced players for the opening fixtures while also introducing new faces to the squad.
Three players — goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defender Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena — received their first senior invitations under the coach. The squad also includes established players such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Ola Aina.
Nigeria, however, will be without striker Victor Osimhen for the opening matches after the Galatasaray forward withdrew from the squad while recovering from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought into the squad as his replacement.
Chelle still has several attacking options available, including Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Ilenikhena.
The Super Eagles have been training in Uyo since Tuesday, with the majority of the squad arriving ahead of the opening fixture. Twenty-three players took part in the team’s first training session, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye expected to complete the group.
Madagascar, meanwhile, will enter the match with memories of their surprise victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. The Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in the final Group B match before reaching the quarter-finals of that tournament.
The two nations had previously met in the qualifiers for the 2012 AFCON, with Nigeria winning both legs 2-0.
Madagascar have also arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday’s fixture, with coach Corentin Martins preparing his team for another meeting with the three-time African champions.
For Nigeria, the match represents the first step in the qualification race for the 2027 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17.
Chelle has urged his players to set the tone from the opening whistle, while captain Ndidi has also stressed the importance of avoiding a slow start.
The Super Eagles finished third at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, but their failure to reach the 2026 World Cup has increased the importance attached to their next competitive campaign.
With only one automatic qualification place available from Group L, Nigeria will need to collect points consistently against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle’s immediate task is therefore to ensure that the Super Eagles begin the campaign positively when they face the Barea in Uyo.
