AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria vs Madagascar – date, time, venue and where to watch

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON qualifying campaign when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

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Eric Chelle’s side will be aiming for a winning start in Group L as they begin their bid to qualify for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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The Super Eagles head into the clash after a mixed run in their recent international fixtures, having defeated Zimbabwe and Jamaica before drawing with Poland and losing 2-1 to Portugal in June.

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The defeat to Portugal ended Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten run under Chelle and was their first loss in regulation time since the Malian took charge.

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Chelle will, however, have to plan without Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray striker was ruled out of Nigeria’s first two qualifiers with a right adductor strain.

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Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled as his replacement, while Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena are among the other attacking options available to the coach.

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Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze are also expected to provide attacking options as Nigeria begin their qualification campaign.

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Madagascar will arrive in Uyo with a 25-man squad led by captain Rayan Raveloson, while coach Corentin Martins has handed first international call-ups to striker Roman Ferber and goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher.

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The Barea will also be looking to draw confidence from their previous meeting with Nigeria after securing a memorable 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

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Nigeria have won three of their five previous meetings with Madagascar, while one ended in a draw and the Barea have recorded one victory.

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However, the three-time African champions will be seeking to start this qualifying campaign on a stronger note, with only one qualification place available from Group L because Tanzania have already secured their place as co-hosts.

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Following Friday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.

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Date, time and venue

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The 2027 AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Madagascar will be played on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

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Kick-off is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time (4:00 p.m. GMT).

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Where to watch

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The match will be available to fans through the official broadcast and streaming platforms holding the rights to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

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Viewers are advised to check local listings and official broadcaster platforms for the confirmed transmission details ahead of kick-off.

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