The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, with players expressing confidence ahead of the Group L encounter in Uyo.
Nigeria will host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium from 5pm on September 25, as Éric Chelle’s side begins its push for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The atmosphere in the Nigerian camp has remained positive, with several players telling Channels Television that they are focused on securing victory in their opening fixture.
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said the squad was determined to start the qualifying campaign strongly despite recognising Madagascar as a competitive opponent.
George Ilenikhena, who received his first senior invitation to the national team, also said the players were focused on winning the encounter.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali welcomed the inclusion of younger players in the squad, saying their opportunity to represent Nigeria was important.
Moses Simon also assured supporters that the team would give its best as Nigeria seeks the three points on home soil.
Chelle has selected a 24-man squad for the opening AFCON qualifiers, with captain Wilfred Ndidi, Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Simon and Nwabali among the established players included. The coach also handed first senior call-ups to Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James and Ilenikhena.
However, Victor Osimhen will miss the two qualifiers after withdrawing from the squad because of a right adductor muscle strain. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently brought in as his replacement.
Nigeria’s squad also includes goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Nwabali, while the defensive options feature Olaoluwa Aina, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi.
In midfield, Chelle can call on Iwobi, Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, while the attack includes Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Awoniyi.
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The NFF has also urged the Super Eagles to secure maximum points in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29. Chelle has stressed the importance of starting the campaign strongly rather than leaving qualification matters until the later stages.
After the two competitive fixtures, Nigeria are scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly on October 6 as part of a separate squad arrangement announced by the NFF.