The Super Eagles will begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations at home against Madagascar on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The Matchday One clash is scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to lead Nigeria into the campaign with a strong push for three points.
Nigeria will then face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture on Sunday, September 27, with the encounter set to be played in Morocco.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group D alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania in a four-team qualification battle.
Nigeria enter the group as one of the favourites, having won the Africa Cup of Nations three times and established themselves as one of the continent’s leading football nations.
Their recent AFCON experience should also provide confidence, with the Super Eagles finishing third at the last edition of the tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s most recent competitive assignment came in June, when they faced Portugal in an international friendly. Attention will now shift to the AFCON qualifiers, with Chelle and his technical team expected to prioritise a winning start against Madagascar.
Victory in Uyo would give the Super Eagles an early advantage in the group and provide a confidence boost before the trip to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
With Tanzania completing the group, every point is expected to carry significant weight as the teams battle for qualification to the 2027 AFCON.
Nigeria’s immediate target will be to make home advantage count against Madagascar before turning their attention to the Guinea-Bissau test as the qualification race gets underway.