The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they face Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifier on Friday, September 25, 2026.

The match is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, with kick-off set for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

The encounter represents Nigeria’s first competitive fixture in the qualification campaign for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Nigeria drawn in Group L

The Super Eagles were drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

Because Tanzania is one of the three co-hosts and has automatic qualification, only one additional qualifying place is available from Group L. CAF confirmed that the highest-ranked team among the remaining teams in Tanzania’s group will qualify for the finals.

This makes Nigeria’s opening two matches particularly important as Eric Chelle’s side begins the campaign.

Following the Madagascar fixture, Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Chelle demands strong start

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has urged his players to approach the opening fixtures with determination as Nigeria seeks to secure a place at the next AFCON.

Nigeria’s players have also expressed confidence ahead of the encounter.

Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said the team is in high spirits and determined to win, while Moses Simon also assured supporters that the players would give their best against Madagascar.

Chelle will be hoping that his team can turn that confidence into a positive result in Uyo before making the trip to Bissau four days later.

Victor Osimhen ruled out

One of the major talking points ahead of the match is the absence of Victor Osimhen.

The Galatasaray striker was initially included in Chelle’s 24-man squad but subsequently withdrew after failing to recover from a right adductor muscle strain.

The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Osimhen would miss the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

Osimhen’s absence leaves Chelle with several attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Awoniyi.

New faces in the Super Eagles squad

Chelle has also used the qualifying campaign to introduce new players to the senior national team.

Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and George Ilenikhena received their first senior call-ups for the opening AFCON qualifiers.

Ilenikhena, who plays for Al-Ittihad, has already expressed his desire to make his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar after receiving his first invitation to the senior team.

The squad also includes experienced players such as captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.

Madagascar not to be underestimated

Madagascar will arrive in Nigeria looking to cause another upset against the Super Eagles.

The Barea famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, a result that remains one of the most notable meetings between the two nations.

Madagascar also enters the qualifiers with renewed confidence after reaching the CHAN final, according to CAF. Coach Corentin Martins has retained experienced players including Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and Loïc Lapoussin while handing first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber.

The Barea will therefore be looking to carry their recent momentum into the senior AFCON qualifying campaign.

Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures

The Super Eagles’ Group L schedule begins with the home fixture against Madagascar before the trip to Guinea-Bissau.

• September 25, 2026: Nigeria vs Madagascar
• September 29, 2026: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
• November 2026: Nigeria vs Tanzania
• November 2026: Tanzania vs Nigeria
• March 2027: Madagascar vs Nigeria
• March 2027: Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau

CAF says the qualifiers are being played across six matchdays, with the final two rounds scheduled for March 2027.

Super Eagles seek return to AFCON

Nigeria will be looking to qualify for the 2027 tournament after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles finished third at the most recent AFCON and will now be seeking another appearance at Africa’s biggest international football tournament.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place as a co-host, Nigeria’s group campaign leaves little room for dropped points against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The immediate task, however, is clear: Chelle’s team must get its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign underway against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

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