Nigeria begin AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo

Nigeria will open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, 23 September.

The Super Eagles’ opening Group fixture will be followed by an away match against Guinea-Bissau in Morocco on Sunday, 27 September. The schedule gives Eric Chelle’s team four days between their first two qualifying matches as they begin their attempt to reach the next edition of Africa’s leading international tournament.

Guinea-Bissau, known as the Djurtus, will host Nigeria for the second qualifying fixture, while Tanzania’s Taifa Stars complete the four-team group.

Nigeria are expected to start the campaign as the leading contenders to finish top of the section. The Super Eagles are three-time African champions and have a strong record in continental football, while their most recent Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with a third-place finish at the tournament hosted by Morocco.

Chelle’s side will be aiming to take advantage of home support in Uyo by securing maximum points against Madagascar in their first match. Their focus will then switch quickly to the meeting with Guinea-Bissau in Morocco four days later.

The Super Eagles were last in action in June, when they played Portugal in an international friendly. That match was their most recent fixture before the start of the 2027 qualifying programme.

The opening two games represent an important early test for Chelle and his players. A positive start against Madagascar would give Nigeria momentum before the trip to face Guinea-Bissau, with Tanzania also competing for qualification from the group.

Nigeria’s status as one of the continent’s most successful sides means they will be expected to challenge strongly for top spot. Their third-place finish at the last Africa Cup of Nations underlined their ability to compete deep into major tournaments, although the qualifying campaign will require them to begin consistently against the other three teams in their section.

The Super Eagles’ first assignment is now confirmed for Uyo on 23 September, with the fixture against Guinea-Bissau scheduled in Morocco on 27 September. Tanzania’s presence completes the group in which Nigeria will seek to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.