Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has challenged his players to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with determination as Nigeria prepares for a crucial double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will open its qualifying campaign against the Barea of Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday before travelling to Bissau for a meeting with the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau next Tuesday.
Chelle has emphasised the need for the Super Eagles to set the tone from the opening game, insisting that Nigeria must approach both matches with purpose and a strong desire to collect points.
The Franco-Malian tactician wants his players to maintain their intensity throughout the opening fixtures as Nigeria begins its pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON.
“We have to show everyone from Day One that we want it, and the only way to do that is to go for it with our hearts and refuse to slow down at any point.
“We must go for the points without any hesitation,” Chelle told the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to use home advantage in Uyo to secure a positive result before facing Guinea-Bissau away from home.
Nigeria Have History on Their Side Against Madagascar
Nigeria’s previous meetings with Madagascar provide mixed memories ahead of Friday’s encounter.
The Super Eagles recorded consecutive 2-0 victories over the Barea during the 2012 AFCON qualifying campaign. Nigeria won the first meeting in Calabar on September 5, 2010, before repeating the scoreline in Antananarivo a year later.
However, Madagascar later produced a major upset at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Barea defeated Nigeria 2-0 in Alexandria on the final day of the group stage, a result that remains one of the most memorable victories in Madagascar’s football history.
That defeat serves as a reminder that the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate their opponents despite their previous record in the fixture.
Super Eagles Target Winning Start
With the 2027 AFCON qualification race now underway, Chelle will expect his squad to translate his message into action against Madagascar.
A strong result in Uyo would give Nigeria momentum ahead of the trip to Guinea-Bissau and provide an early platform in the qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles will therefore be aiming to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline as they begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
