Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

The Group L qualifier is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Nigeria will be looking to make a strong start to the qualification series on home ground.

The encounter comes with memories of Madagascar’s surprise 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, the only defeat suffered by the Super Eagles in their five previous meetings with the Barea. Nigeria have won three of those encounters, while one ended in a draw.

Head coach Éric Chelle will, however, have to manage the absence of Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the September qualifiers through injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was brought into the squad as his replacement.

Madagascar will arrive in Uyo seeking another upset, while Nigeria are targeting the three points before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.