The Super Eagles were expected to begin training yesterday ahead of Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar in Uyo.

The Super Eagles and Madagascar will begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, slated to be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with a clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday.

After the game against Madagascar, the Super Eagles will travel to Bissau to engage Guinea-Bissau in their second game of the series.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the bulk of the Super Eagles players based in Europe were expected to arrive in Uyo on Sunday, while training was to resume yesterday.

Coach Eric Chelle, his backroom staff and other essential staff of the NFF arrived in the Akwa Ibom State capital at the weekend ahead of the players’ arrival.

Meanwhile, the Madagascar delegation arrived in Nigeria yesterday for a game they expect to set the tone for their return to the Nations Cup after missing the last edition in Morocco. They participated in the 2019 edition in Egypt, where they got to the quarterfinals.

Led by Coach Corentin Martins, the Berea, ranked 104 by FIFA, are in Uyo with 24 players and 10 officials.