Nigeria aim to start qualifying campaign without a stumble: Nigeria vs Madagascar prediction
The first-round qualifying clash for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Madagascar will take place on September 25 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The opener carries particular significance for the Super Eagles: with one of the future tournament hosts, Tanzania, in Group L, the race for the available qualifying spot promises to be especially fierce.
Nigeria: without Osimhen, but with a powerful attacking group
Nigeria head into a new qualifying cycle after missing out on a second consecutive World Cup, although the team has remained competitive at continental level in recent years. The Super Eagles reached at least the semifinals of the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, and they played in the final of the 2023 edition.
The main absence is Victor Osimhen, who has not recovered in time from a muscle injury. Eric Chelle can still call on Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams, while Ola Aina has returned to the squad; Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are battling for the starting goalkeeper spot.
Madagascar: hoping to repeat the 2019 sensation
Madagascar vividly remembers its greatest achievement against Nigeria: at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the team stunned the Super Eagles with a 2-0 victory before going on to reach the quarterfinals. However, since that tournament, Madagascar have failed to establish themselves among the continent's leading national teams.
Across their last 18 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, Madagascar have managed just two wins. Corentin Martins is counting on the experience of Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson and Thomas Fontaine, while the returning Warren Caddy and first-time call-up Romain Ferrier should add further depth to the attack.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Nigeria reached at least the semifinals of the last two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
- Madagascar defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Madagascar have recorded just two wins in their last 18 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
Home advantage should offset Osimhen's absence: Nigeria vs Madagascar prediction
Osimhen's absence takes away some of Nigeria's usual attacking power, but the squad still has serious depth. Lookman, Iwobi, Simon and Adams offer enough options to consistently put pressure on the opposition's defense.
Madagascar have already shown that they can catch Nigeria off guard, but the visitors' current qualifying record is far less convincing. At the start of the campaign, Eric Chelle's motivated side should look to avoid unnecessary risks and secure three points through their superior quality.
