By Chiamaka Nwalie
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, with the three-time African champions aiming to make a strong start in Group L.
The encounter is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Super Eagles will look to use home advantage to secure all three points.
Nigeria’s opening qualifier comes under considerable pressure following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A convincing start to the AFCON qualifying campaign would therefore provide a much-needed boost for the players and restore confidence among supporters.
One of the major talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Nigeria’s leading striker and one of the team’s most important attacking players, Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been ruled out of the opening qualifier after sustaining a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up to replace the Galatasaray striker in the squad.
The absence of Osimhen has raised concerns among some Nigerian supporters, particularly given his importance to the team’s attack.
Some fans, however, believe the Super Eagles have enough quality within the squad to overcome Osimhen’s absence, while urging other attacking players to step up against Madagascar.
Ojinnaka Valentine backed Ademola Lookman to play a key role in the encounter, calling on the forward to raise his performance level ahead of the qualifier.
“Lookman, up your game,” Valentine said.
Other supporters also called on the team to show greater urgency and improve their approach during matches, stressing the need for a strong start rather than relying on late efforts.
Oragui Chidi said, “They should be serious from the start, rather than wait to the end of the game.”
Statistics cited ahead of the fixture indicate that Nigeria have failed to win in 59.7 per cent of the matches they have played without Osimhen, highlighting the striker’s influence on the national team.
Despite his absence, several fans remain confident that the Super Eagles have enough quality to overcome Madagascar.
Odih Feranmi, fan of Super Eagles, backed the team to secure a comfortable victory, predicting either a 4-0 or 2-0 win for Nigeria.
“I expect the Super Eagles to win because Madagascar is not one of the major footballing sides in Africa,” the fan said.
Another supporter stressed the importance of starting the qualifying campaign with a victory, particularly after Nigeria’s failure to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
The fan said a positive result would boost the players’ confidence and provide momentum for the remaining qualifiers.
Madagascar Not to Be Underestimated
Although Nigeria will enter the match as favourites, Madagascar cannot be completely overlooked.
The Barea have gained valuable experience on the continental stage in recent years. Madagascar reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, marking one of the most impressive campaigns in the country’s football history.
The island nation also finished as runners-up at the 2025 African Nations Championship, demonstrating that its football development has continued to progress.
For that reason, Nigeria will need to approach Friday’s encounter with the necessary concentration and discipline rather than underestimate their opponents.
Udeme Michael, a fan, acknowledged the importance of Osimhen to the team but remained optimistic about Nigeria’s chances.
“Victor Osimhen is an important part of the team, but never say never. I don’t think the team will disappoint,” the fan said.
While Nonso Nwachukwu, another fan, emphasised Osimhen’s importance to the Super Eagles, saying, “He can’t be compared to Taiwo. He is one of the best in the world.”
Okoye’s Late Arrival Raises Questions
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has also attracted attention ahead of the match following his late arrival in the Super Eagles camp after attending Milan Fashion Week.
Okoye’s delayed arrival has generated criticism among some Nigerian fans, with questions raised about his commitment and readiness ahead of the important qualifier.
The goalkeeper will nevertheless remain an option for the technical crew as Nigeria prepare to face Madagascar.
With Osimhen unavailable and questions surrounding some aspects of the squad, the Super Eagles will need contributions from other key players to produce the desired result.
The technical crew has continued preparations for the encounter, with the players focused on securing a positive start to the qualifying campaign.
For Nigerian fans, the immediate objective is clear: the Super Eagles must turn their home advantage, squad quality and supporters’ expectations into three valuable points.
A victory over Madagascar would not only give Nigeria a strong start in Group L but could also provide the confidence needed to rebuild after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup.
The Super Eagles will therefore hope to begin their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a performance that reassures their supporters and sets the tone for the qualifying campaign.
