Nigeria will begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Wednesday, 23 September, with the Super Eagles’ schedule now confirmed, Completesports.com reports.
The Matchday One fixture will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Eric Chelle’s side will start their attempt to reach the next edition of Africa’s premier international tournament.
Nigeria will then travel to Morocco four days later for their second qualifying match, against Guinea-Bissau. That fixture against the Djurtus is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September.
Tanzania, known as the Taifa Stars, completes the four-team qualifying group.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin the campaign as strong favourites to finish top of the section, based on Nigeria’s record and standing in African football. The team are three-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations and most recently finished third at the last tournament, hosted by Morocco.
Chelle’s team were last in action in June, when they played Portugal in an international friendly. Their focus will now turn to preparing for the opening qualifier and ensuring they take full advantage of home conditions in Uyo.
Nigeria will be seeking maximum points against Madagascar before travelling to Morocco for the meeting with Guinea-Bissau. A positive start would put the Super Eagles in a strong position as they begin a qualifying programme that includes two matches within the space of four days.
The fixture against Madagascar is the first competitive match listed for Chelle’s side in this qualifying campaign. The meeting with Guinea-Bissau will provide the next test as Nigeria continue their bid to secure progress from the group, with Tanzania also involved in the race for qualification.
The Super Eagles’ status as one of the continent’s leading sides means they will be expected to challenge for first place. Their recent third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations further underlines the level of expectation surrounding the team.
The opening match in Uyo will therefore carry significance beyond being Nigeria’s first fixture of the campaign. It will give the side an early opportunity to establish momentum before the quick turnaround and the trip to Morocco for the encounter with the Djurtus.
Nigeria’s qualifying dates are:
- Nigeria v Madagascar Wednesday, 23 September, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo - Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria Sunday, 27 September, Morocco
The Super Eagles will hope to make their home advantage count against the Barea before turning their attention to the second match of the group.
Related: FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Stay 26th, Slip To Fourth In Africa