Senegal Begin New Era as Nigeria Face Osimhen Blow in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Posted : 22 September 2026

The opening fixtures in Groups J, K and L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will bring new beginnings for Senegal and a major injury concern for Nigeria.

The first matches in the three groups are scheduled for September 25, with Senegal hosting Mozambique, Mali welcoming Cape Verde and Nigeria facing Madagascar. The second round of fixtures will follow four days later.

Vieira Starts Senegal Reign

Patrick Vieira will take charge of his first competitive match as Senegal coach when the Lions of Teranga welcome Mozambique in Group J.

Vieira's first assignment comes without Sadio Mané, who has been left out because of a physical issue. However, Senegal still have considerable attacking options, including Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaïla Sarr and Assane Diao.

The new coach has also introduced several fresh faces while retaining experienced players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr. Senegal will then travel to Ethiopia on September 29, while Sudan and Ethiopia meet in the other opening Group J fixture.

Mali and Cape Verde Meet in Group K

Mali and Cape Verde will meet in one of the most intriguing opening fixtures in Group K.

Cape Verde begin a new cycle under Humberto Bettencourt, who was promoted from assistant coach after Bubista's departure. Bettencourt was part of the technical staff that helped Cape Verde reach their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2026.

Mali will host the Blue Sharks before Cape Verde welcome Rwanda in the next round. Rwanda and Liberia will contest the other Group K opener, with the teams finishing first and second in the group both qualifying for AFCON 2027.

Nigeria Without Victor Osimhen

Nigeria will begin their Group L campaign against Madagascar without Victor Osimhen after the striker was ruled out of the opening two qualifiers because of a muscle injury.

Osimhen suffered the problem while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir and was forced off after 33 minutes. The Nigeria Football Federation later confirmed that he would miss the September 25 and September 29 matches as he continues his recovery.

Despite Osimhen's absence, Eric Chelle has several attacking alternatives, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare. George Ilenikhena and Isaac James have also received their first senior call-ups.

Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later. Madagascar enter the contest after reaching the recent CHAN final.

Group L has an unusual qualification situation because Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as one of the co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. As a result, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the single remaining qualifying position available to the group.

Senegal Begin New Era as Nigeria Face Osimhen Blow in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Vieira Starts Senegal Reign

Mali and Cape Verde Meet in Group K

Nigeria Without Victor Osimhen

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