By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigeria secured the win on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in their opening Group L fixture.
The result gives Éric Chelle’s side three points as they begin their bid to qualify for the continental tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.
The victory comes despite the absence of Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of Nigeria’s September qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray. The Nigeria Football Federation subsequently brought in Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.
Nigeria went into the game with memories of their 2-0 defeat to Madagascar at the 2019 AFCON, when the Barea recorded one of the biggest upsets in the Super Eagles’ recent history.
Chelle had urged his players to make a strong start to the qualification campaign, with Nigeria scheduled to travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L match on Tuesday, September 29.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to the Guinea-Bissau encounter as they continue their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON.
