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| Super Eagles |
Football fans in Nigeria are optimistic that the Super Eagles will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a victory when they face Madagascar on Friday.
Nigeria will take on Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, as both teams begin their battle for a place at the 2027 AFCON.
The two sides continued their preparations in Uyo on Tuesday, holding separate training sessions ahead of the crucial encounter.
Football scout and Technical Manager of Dominion Excellence Star Academy in Lagos, Emmanuel Alozie, believes Nigeria have enough quality to secure all three points but urged the coaching staff to select the strongest possible team.
“Nigeria is filled with very skilful players. We cannot fall to Madagascar because our players in the European leagues are top players,” Alozie said.
He added that the experience of Nigeria’s players at top European clubs should give the Super Eagles confidence heading into the match.
Former international Benjamin James also believes Nigeria can cope with the absence of Victor Osimhen, who will miss the game through injury.
James sees the striker’s absence as an opportunity for Taiwo Awoniyi to make an impact and remind fans of his quality at international level.
“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,” he said.
However, James warned Nigeria against taking Madagascar lightly, pointing to the island nation’s ability to cause problems.
“The team must play with caution and should not underrate anybody because Madagascar are no pushovers,” he added.
Football fan Susan Olamidele also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s chances, citing the quality and depth available to head coach Éric Chelle.
She urged the players to remain focused throughout the match and avoid unnecessary disciplinary issues.
Nigeria will enter the qualifier without Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the opening games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because of injury.
Madagascar, meanwhile, will not lack confidence. The island nation recently reached the CHAN final and has produced a number of impressive results in recent years.
They also recorded a memorable 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Despite that setback, Nigeria have won three of their last five meetings with Madagascar, with one draw and one defeat.
Chelle will have several experienced players at his disposal, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Frank Onyeka.
A number of younger players have also been included in the squad, with George Ilenikhena, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Usor and Chibuike Nwaiwu among the newcomers.
The Group L qualification race also includes Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, meaning only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will claim the group’s remaining qualification spot.
With qualification at stake from the opening game, the Super Eagles will be looking to make home advantage count when they face Madagascar in Uyo.