Nigeria vs: Madagascar AFCON 2027 qualifier – preview, teams, prediction | Football | Al Jazeera

Nigeria faces Madagascar in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25, 2026, at 5 pm. Coach Eric Chelle emphasizes the need for a strong start and a victory in the opening match, following Nigeria's recent semifinal appearances in previous AFCON tournaments. Madagascar, nicknamed Barea, aims to emulate their upset 2-0 win over Nigeria in 2019, their only AFCON appearance so far. Chelle has urged his team to attack without hesitation, with their next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau scheduled for Tuesday.