The Super Eagles will begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The encounter is scheduled to kick off at 5:00pm Nigerian time, 4:00pm GMT, with Eric Chelle preparing for his first competitive AFCON qualifying campaign as Nigeria head coach.
Nigeria are aiming to start the qualifying series on a positive note after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.
Osimhen ruled out of opening qualifiers
Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen for both of their opening AFCON qualifiers after the striker was ruled out with a muscle injury.
The Galatasaray forward suffered the problem during his club's league meeting with Istanbul Ba?ak?ehir and was forced off in the first half. The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently confirmed that he would miss the September 25 and 29 fixtures as he continues his rehabilitation.
His absence leaves Chelle with several other attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena.
Madagascar arrive with 25-man squad
Madagascar will face Nigeria with a 25-man squad selected by head coach Corentin Martins.
The Barea have handed first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returns to the national team. Hakim Abdallah and Arnaud Randrianantenaina are also among the attacking options available to Martins.
Madagascar will be looking to build on their recent run to the CHAN final as they begin their attempt to return to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria hold head-to-head advantage
Nigeria have won three of their five previous senior meetings with Madagascar, while the Barea have recorded one victory and the other encounter ended in a draw.
The Super Eagles won their first meeting 1-0 in 2001, while the two sides played out a goalless draw in 2000. Nigeria then recorded back-to-back 2-0 victories over Madagascar in the 2010 and 2011 AFCON qualifying campaigns.
However, Madagascar claimed the most recent victory when they defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Group L qualification picture
Group L has an unusual qualification format because Tanzania, one of the three hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have a guaranteed place at the tournament.
As a result, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will effectively battle for the remaining qualification spot, with the highest-placed non-host nation securing a place at the finals.
That makes the opening two rounds particularly important for Chelle's side, with Nigeria facing Madagascar at home before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Match details
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Fixture: Nigeria vs Madagascar Date: Friday, September 25, 2026 Kick-off: 5:00pm Nigerian time, 4:00pm GMT Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Head-to-head: Nigeria 3 wins, Madagascar 1 win, Draw 1