Nigeria will kick off their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Nigeria vs Madagascar – Match preview and team news
- Date: Friday, 25th September.
- Kick-off: 5pm BST.
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Nigeria team news
Nigeria enters their 2027 AFCON qualification opening match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium dealing with a massive injury blow, as star striker Victor Osimhen has been officially ruled out after withdrawing from the squad due to a muscle strain.
In his absence, head coach Eric Chelle has handed a late call-up to Coventry City forward Taiwo Awoniyi to bolster the attack.
The Super Eagles also welcome exciting young forward George Ilenikhena, who has earned his maiden senior national team call-up and could make his debut.
Nigeria is expected to deploy a fluid 4-3-3 formation, anchoring the midfield with the experienced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi.
The frontline will rely heavily on the creative spark of Ballon d’Or nominee Ademola Lookman, who looks to partner with Awoniyi and Ilenikhena to break through a resilient opposition defence.
Madagascar team news
Madagascar arrives in Uyo fully prepared to play the role of spoiler, with head coach Corentin Martins heavily expected to employ a defensively rigid, compact low-block structure designed to frustrate the star-studded Nigerian attack.
Madagascar has travelled with a completely healthy, full-strength squad. The team’s tactical setup will rely heavily on a robust 4-3-3 system that transitions quickly on the counter-attack. The midfield engine room will be anchored by key veteran figures Rayan Raveloson and Marco Ilaimaharitra, who are tasked with disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm, while forward Hakim Abdallah is expected to lead the line and capitalise on any defensive errors.
Form
Nigeria
Nigeria enters this qualification cycle showing stable form, despite a disappointing 1-2 friendly loss to Portugal in their last outing in June. Prior to that defeat, the Super Eagles put together a strong run in early 2026, highlighted by comprehensive friendly victories over Jamaica (3-0) and Zimbabwe (2-0), alongside an entertaining 2-2 draw with Poland. They will look to replicate that early-year dominance on home soil today.
Madagascar
Madagascar arrives in Uyo looking to bounce back from an inconsistent spell of friendly fixtures. Their most recent outing in June resulted in a heavy 0-4 defeat against Morocco, which followed a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in late March. However, the Barea did show flashes of defensive flexibility and dangerous counter-attacking flair as well, most notably during an impressive 5-2 victory away against Kyrgyzstan.
Predicted lineups
Nigeria: Nwabali; Aina, Bassey, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Awoniyi, Ilenikhena.
Madagadcar: Dupire; Pelmard, Fontaine, Rabemanantsoa, Acapandie; Ilaimaharitra, Raveloson, Lapoussin; Caddy, Abdallah, Randrianantenaina.
How to watch Nigeria vs Madagascar?
There is no official UK television broadcaster carrying the live feed for the Nigeria vs. Madagascar AFCON 2027 qualifier today.
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