Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called on Nigeria to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with maximum intensity as they prepare for a double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau this month.
Nigeria, three-time African champions, will open their campaign against Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
They will then travel to Bissau to meet Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus next Tuesday, with Chelle insisting that his side must approach both matches with a clear determination to collect points.
“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,” Chelle told thenff.com.
“We must go for the points without any hesitation.”
Nigeria seeking to avoid another Madagascar upset
The meeting with Madagascar will revive memories of several contrasting encounters between the two nations in senior international football.
Nigeria prevailed 2-0 when the teams met in Calabar on 5 September 2010, at the same stage of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying race 16 years ago.
The Super Eagles completed another 2-0 victory in the return fixture in Antananarivo a year later.
Madagascar, however, delivered a major surprise on the final day of June 2019, defeating Nigeria 2-0 in their group-stage match in Alexandria.
That result was regarded as one of the biggest upsets in Africa Cup of Nations history.
Chelle has now stressed the need for Nigeria to set the tone immediately as they begin their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 tournament.
The Super Eagles will face two opponents in quick succession, starting with the home fixture against Madagascar in Uyo before their journey to Guinea-Bissau for the second match of the qualifying double-header.