Nigeria’s Super Eagles will kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a home clash against the Barea of Madagascar.
The matchday one fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Wednesday, September 23.
Eric Chelle’s men will then travel to Morocco, where they will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying match on Sunday, September 27.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars complete the group, with the four teams battling for qualification to the continental showpiece.
The Super Eagles will head into the qualifiers as favorites to top the group, considering their rich history and pedigree in African football.
Nigeria are three-time African champions and finished third at the most recent edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Chelle’s side will also be determined to make a positive start to the campaign and strengthen their chances of securing a place at the 2027 tournament.
The Super Eagles last featured in an international friendly against Portugal in June.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq is doubtful for Nigeria’s September AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a suspected hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old marksman started for his club against newly promoted Deportivo La Coruña on Saturday, scoring his side’s only goal in a 3–1 defeat.
According to Analytica Fantasy, the injury is likely hamstring-related and could keep Sadiq out for as long as two months, with a return to action not expected before late October or early November at the earliest.
The forward will now be unavailable for selection by coach Éric Chelle for Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
For the Super Eagles, however, the impact may be more limited. Umar has not been a regular fixture under head coach Eric Chelle, and the Franco-Malian tactician heads into the September window with a wide pool of attacking talent to choose from.
Chelle still has deep attacking choices, including Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, and Rafiu Durosinmi.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
