Nigeria set to open AFCON qualifying against Madagascar

Nigeria were scheduled to open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. Nigerian time. The Group L match at Godswill Akpabio Stadium is the first of the campaign for both teams; the available reports do not give a result or confirm that the fixture went ahead. Nigeria are grouped with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-host Tanzania. Because Tanzania have a guaranteed place at the finals, reports say one further Group L qualification place remains. Nigeria’s next listed group fixture is away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has called for a strong start, while Nigeria Football Federation Acting General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme said the team should make home advantage count. Ikpeme said the federation wanted Nigeria to collect three points in Uyo and then pursue another win in Bissau, but stressed that the immediate focus was Madagascar. Nigeria were set to play without Victor Osimhen, who had not recovered from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was recalled as his replacement.