The Super Eagles of Nigeria are back in action this Friday as they begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, facing Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in their first competitive fixture since finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

On paper, the fixture is more or less a David and Goliath contest, but the last meeting between the two sides is a stark reminder that the former is capable of pulling off a surprise, just like it did at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Wilfred Ndidi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon were part of the then Gernot Rohr-led team when the Barea secured a famous 2-0 win over the Super Eagles, topping Group B with seven points in their debut AFCON appearance.

Eric Chelle will begin the qualifiers on the back of an impressive outing at the AFCON and the Unity Cup triumph in June, with more than a handful of the team that won the country’s ninth AFCON bronze medal.

However, the Malian tactician will be without his first-choice striker, Victor Osimhen, who is still recovering from injury. In his absence, Chelle will pick his two-man attack from the available options: Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, and the newly invited Al Ittihad striker, George Ilenikhena.

The fixture is of significant importance to Moses Simon, who is lined up to become a centurion after over 10 years of service in the national team. The Paris FC winger made his debut for the Super Eagles in an international friendly against Uganda in March 2015. Alex Iwobi is also in line to equal Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama with 101 appearances for the national team.

While Madagascar might not have players whose names ring a bell compared to the Super Eagles, coach Corentin has a group of decent players with experience on the continent and in Europe. Madagascar come into the tie with players who have shown consistency in the national team and their club sides over the last few months.

Rayan Raveloson offers dynamism in midfield, offering protection for the backline and creativity in attack. Raveloson is Gift Orban’s teammate at newly-promoted Turkish Super Lig side, Amedspor, and has registered an assist in six league appearances.

He is also one of the reliable sources of goals for the Barea, with nine in 48 matches. Caddy Warren and El Hadary Raheriniaina carry the goal threat and will look to trouble the Super Eagles’ defense. The duo had an eight-goal contribution for Madagascar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Ahead of the match, Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has promised Nigerians that the team will avoid a slow start to the qualifiers while reminiscing about the failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“We know the experiences of the last World Cup. How we started was really, really poor, really bad, and it will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum, you know, because the first game is the most important game in every competition,” he said.

“This is a qualifier, so the first game sets the momentum. So, it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming. So, we think we will do our best. It is not that we think-we will do our best. We think we will set the momentum. We’re ready for it, and everyone is focused on it,” he added.

Head to Head

Nigeria have met Madagascar three times: twice in AFCON qualifiers and once at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles beat the Barea (4-0 on aggregate) in their first two meetings during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, the last meeting ended in a 2-0 win for the Indian Ocean occupants at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Madagascar players to watch

Caddy Warren
The 29-year-old striker plays for Randers in the Danish Superliga and is quite potent in front of goal. Warren is strong on the ball, fast, and quite imposing on defenders. Caddy Warren scored 18 goals in 29 league appearances while at Stade Lausanne-Ouchy in the Swiss Challenge League.

He scored nine goals in 16 matches last season before joining the Danish side in January. The 29-year-old has two goals in 12 league appearances this season, having recently returned from injury. Caddy Warren is also prolific for the Barea, with four goals and three assists in 14 matches.

Rayan Raveloson
Raveloson is one of the most experienced players in the squad with 48 appearances for the national team. He currently plays in the Turkish Super Lig alongside Gift Orban at Amedspor. The 29-year-old midfielder is an all-action midfielder with composure on the ball, the ability to drive forward, and offers protection for the backline. Raveloson is not goal-shy, as he has nine goals for his country.

El Hadary Raheriniaina
The 20-year-old forward plays for Nancy in the French Ligue 2. He creates chances and scores goals and ranks as one of the most dynamic in the squad. Coach Coretin will rely on his pace and creativity to cause damage against Nigeria. Raheriniaina scored a goal and provided five assists in eight matches for Madagascar during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles are condemned to begin the qualifiers on a winning note and cannot afford a slow start. Otherwise, the ghost of the team’s failure to qualify for two consecutive World Cups might be reawakened. The last time the Super Eagles lost the opening fixture of an AFCON qualifier was in 2017 when South Africa secured their first-ever win on Nigeria’s home soil. Tokelo Rantie (54′) and Percy Tau (82′) scored in the 2-0 win in Uyo.