Chelle Demands Winning Start as Madagascar Recall 2019 Shock

Posted : 25 September 2026

Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. The Super Eagles will be looking to make a strong start after failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle has demanded an urgent response from his players. He wants the team to approach the opening qualifier with the determination required to collect maximum points.

“We have to show everyone from Day One that we want it,” Chelle said. “We must go for the points without any hesitation.”

Madagascar coach Corentin Martins, however, believes his team can compete against the three-time African champions. The Frenchman said his players are motivated and have prepared carefully despite the long journey to Nigeria.

“There’s a lot of motivation. We’re playing for a big African nation, with good players. We’ve prepared well, trying to recover from our long trip. We’re motivated to play well,” Martins said.

Madagascar will also draw confidence from their memorable meeting with Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in their final group-stage match in Alexandria, with Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Charles Andriamahitsinoro scoring the goals.

Nigeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage before that match. Madagascar went on to reach the quarter-finals in their first appearance at the AFCON finals.

The 2019 victory remains Madagascar's only win over Nigeria in five senior meetings. The Super Eagles have won three of the other four encounters, while the remaining fixture ended in a draw.

Friday's meeting will be the first competitive encounter between the teams since that tournament. Nigeria will have home advantage at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, while Madagascar will hope their previous success provides additional belief.

The Super Eagles are also entering the qualifier without Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable for the opening matches while recovering from injury. Chelle will instead have other attacking options available as Nigeria begin their qualification campaign.

The fixture is particularly important because Tanzania, one of the tournament's co-hosts, already has an automatic place at the 2027 AFCON. Nigeria and Madagascar must therefore compete for points in Group L, with every result carrying significance in the race for qualification.

Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifier on September 29. Madagascar, meanwhile, will face Tanzania in their next Group L fixture.

Chelle Demands Winning Start as Madagascar Recall 2019 Shock

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