All is now set for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Barea of Madagascar.
The Eagles are in high spirits in anticipation of the encounter, which is the first of the qualifying series for next year’s final tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The camp of the Super Eagles is bubbling with life as the players have assured fans of emerging victorious.
Some members of the team spoke to Channels Television at Sheraton by Four Points Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, where they are lodged, about their expectations and their commitment towards victory.
”Everyone is in high spirits. We are all determined to win the game. Madagascar is a good team, but we’ll beat them,” Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi said, while responding to a question about the atmosphere in camp.
Another player, George Ilhenikina, said he was excited to be invited to play for the country.
”Of course, our focus is to win the game on Friday. Nothing less than a win is good enough for us,” said Ilhenikina.
Nwabali, one of Nigeria’s goalkeepers, said he was happy to have new players joining the team.
”It is a good thing to have some young players join the team,” he said. It is a good thing that they also have an opportunity to play for our country.”
”Rest assured that we will put up our best to win on Friday,” Moses Simon said.
Coach Eric Chelle last week unveiled two different squads for Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures and an international friendly against Russia.
For the two AFCON qualifiers, Chelle called up goalkeepers Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye and Nwabali.
The defensive options include Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while the midfield features Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
The attacking options include Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare.
Awoniyi was called up to replace Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
This followed Osimhen’s withdrawal from the squad after the Galatasaray striker was ruled out of the two qualifiers due to a right adductor muscle strain.
Nigeria is scheduled to play Guinea-Bissau four days later on September 29.
The team will then take on Russia in an international friendly on October 6.
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