Ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, some football fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria have expressed optimism that the team would defeat Madagascar.
The upcoming 2027 AFCON opening match between Nigeria and Madagascar is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the teams held separate training sessions in Uyo on Tuesday as preparations for the encounter continued.
The fans told NAN in separate interviews on Wednesday in Lagos that the calibre of players who could ensure victory for the country were all available and ready to go.
Emmanuel Alozie, a football scout and Technical Manager of Dominion Excellence Star Academy in Lagos, backed the Super Eagles to secure the three points.
Alozie said the team had enough quality to overcome Madagascar but urged the coaching crew to select a formidable squad for the encounter.
“Nigeria is filled with very skilful players. We cannot fall to Madagascar because, our players in the European leagues are top players.
“They command a lot of respect, while the coaching crew should ensure that the best players are selected for the match.
“Overall, I am positive about their chances of winning the match and claiming the expected three points,” Alozie said.
Similarly, Benjamin James, a former international, said Nigeria would cope with the absence of Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable due to injury.
James said Osimhen’s absence provided an opportunity for Taiwo Awoniyi to step up and reclaim the position he occupied in the national team in 2024.
“It is good to have Awoniyi back in the team. It is going to be a great day for the Super Eagles because some other players will also be making their first appearances.
“The team must play with caution and should not underrate anybody because Madagascar are no pushovers,” James said.
Susan Olamidele, a football fan, also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances, citing the team spirit and depth of quality players available to the Super Eagles.
Olamidele urged the coaching crew to ensure that the players remained focused and avoided indiscipline on and off the pitch.
“We have the players who can deliver. Our players command great respect in Europe and have the ability to perform at the top level,” she said.
The Super Eagles will begin their campaign without star striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable due to injury. CAF confirmed that Osimhen was ruled out of the opening qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Madagascar, however, will approach the match with confidence after reaching the CHAN final and recording impressive recent results.
The island nation also defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, giving them a notable result against the Super Eagles.
Nigeria have won three of their previous five meetings with Madagascar, with one draw and one defeat.
The match comes at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the Nigeria Football Federation undergoing a leadership transition.
Head coach Éric Chelle has several returning and new players, providing the Super Eagles with different options in Osimhen’s absence.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi will lead regulars like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka.
Among the newer players called up are George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Usor and Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau face an important battle for qualification from Group L. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, is also in the group and is automatically qualified for the tournament. Therefore, only the highest-ranked team among the other three nations will qualify from Group L.
