Nigeria will host Madagascar on Sept.
25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo for their opening Group L fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Super Eagles enter the match after a 2-1 friendly loss to Portugal in June, following earlier wins over Jamaica and Zimbabwe and a draw with Poland.
With 2027 co-host Tanzania automatically qualified, Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau are competing for a single qualification spot from Group L.
Nigeria will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days after the home match against Madagascar.
Osimhen Withdrawal Forces Attack Reshuffle
Head coach Eric Chelle must adjust his side following the withdrawal of striker Victor Osimhen.
The Galatasaray forward was sidelined due to a muscle strain that progressed slower than expected during his recovery.
"Victor Osimhen's recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected," said the Super Eagles media team.
National team medical officials initially anticipated that Osimhen would return to action for Galatasaray before joining the squad, but the Turkish club later confirmed he remained unavailable for both upcoming qualifiers.
"He was included in Nigeria's squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window," said the Super Eagles media team.
To reinforce the attack, Chelle called up Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi as Osimhen's replacement.
The selection marks Awoniyi's first national team inclusion since October 2024 and his first call-up under Chelle.
Nigeria's frontline also features Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, and Ademola Lookman, alongside newly called-up forward George Ilenikhena.
Midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are set to direct play from the central areas.
The Madagascar squad arrived in Uyo after initiating training preparations earlier in the week.
Head coach Corentin Martins selected a 25-player roster featuring 22 overseas professionals and three domestic players.
Madagascar captain Rayan Raveloson expressed confidence ahead of the fixture, noting that the team previously defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
"One day left!" said Rayan Raveloson, Madagascar captain.
Following Friday's opener in Uyo, Madagascar is scheduled to play its next Group L qualifying match against Tanzania in Morocco on Sept.
29.
