The Tremendous Eagles of Nigeria will start their journey in the direction of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations once they host Madagascar of their opening Group L qualifier on the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM Nigerian time, with Éric Chelle’s aspect seeking to begin the qualifying marketing campaign on a constructive be aware and put themselves in a robust place early within the group.
The fixture marks the start of a brand new aggressive cycle for Nigeria beneath Chelle, who has retained a number of skilled gamers whereas additionally handing invites to a variety of gamers hoping to make their mark at senior worldwide stage.
Among the many new faces within the 24-man squad are Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena, all of whom are but to make their senior debuts for the Tremendous Eagles.
Uyo Prepared for the Tremendous Eagles
The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has turn into a well-known dwelling for Nigeria lately and can present the setting for the workforce’s first aggressive match of the brand new AFCON qualifying cycle.
The Tremendous Eagles might be hoping to make dwelling benefit rely earlier than travelling to Guinea-Bissau for his or her second Group L fixture on September 29.
With solely 4 days separating the 2 matches, a constructive end in Uyo would supply Nigeria with an vital basis heading into the subsequent fixture.
Madagascar Arrive With Their Personal Ambitions
Madagascar is not going to journey to Nigeria merely to make up the numbers.
The Barea, coached by Corentin Martins, have named a 25-man squad for the opening qualifier as they start their very own marketing campaign in Group L.
The group additionally incorporates Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with Tanzania already assured a spot on the 2027 AFCON as one of many match’s co-hosts.
CAF has confirmed that Tanzania’s automated qualification means the highest-placed workforce other than Tanzania in Group L will declare the qualifying spot from the group.
That makes each level notably vital for Nigeria and Madagascar from the opening match.
Nigeria With out Osimhen
One of many main speaking factors forward of the encounter is the absence of Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray striker was initially included in Chelle’s squad however has since been dominated out of each September qualifiers as he continues his restoration from a muscle damage.
Osimhen’s absence means Nigeria might be with out considered one of their most established attacking choices, inserting extra duty on the opposite forwards within the squad.
Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are among the many attacking choices out there to Chelle, whereas kids comparable to George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor present additional alternate options.
How Chelle reorganises his assault with out Osimhen might be one of many main speaking factors when the Tremendous Eagles take to the pitch.
Expertise Meets Youth
Regardless of Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria nonetheless have appreciable expertise inside the squad.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon and Ademola Lookman are among the many established gamers anticipated to supply management.
On the identical time, the inclusion of youthful gamers provides the squad a unique dimension.
Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, Moses Usor and George Ilenikhena might be hoping to make their senior debuts, with James additionally providing Chelle another choice in defence.
Softfootball might be on the bottom in Uyo for Nigeria vs Madagascar, bringing followers protection straight from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
Our workforce will present matchday updates, stadium environment, interviews, images, reactions and stories all through the Tremendous Eagles’ opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
From the build-up to the ultimate whistle, SoftFootball might be following all of the motion from inside and across the stadium.
