Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has demanded a winning start from the Super Eagles as they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
The Super Eagles will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with both sides looking to make an early statement in the qualification race.
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins, however, believes his team can compete with the three-time African champions despite the challenge of playing away from home.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Uyo, Martins said his players were highly motivated for the encounter and had prepared for the quality Nigeria possess.
“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.
The French coach also recalled Madagascar’s memorable 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Charles Andriamahitsinoro scored as the Barea stunned the Super Eagles in their final group-stage game in Alexandria.
Nigeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage before the match, while Madagascar went on to reach the quarter-finals in their first appearance at the tournament.
The 2019 result remains Madagascar’s only win over Nigeria in five senior meetings. The Super Eagles have recorded three victories, while the other encounter ended in a draw.
Martins will now hope his players can draw confidence from that historic result when the sides meet again in Uyo.
For Chelle, the priority is to ensure Nigeria make a positive start to the qualification campaign.
The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a difficult qualifying campaign and will be keen to avoid another setback as they begin the road to the 2027 AFCON.
Chelle is therefore expected to demand an aggressive and disciplined performance from his players as Nigeria seek all three points on home soil.
