Nigeria vs Madagascar: Preview, Head-to-Head, Kick-off Time and How to Watch AFCON 2027 Qualifier
Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they host Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time, with Éric Chelle’s side looking to open their Group L campaign with a victory on home soil.
The fixture represents Nigeria’s first competitive assignment in the new qualifying cycle and comes with considerable importance, particularly after the Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with Tanzania already assured of a place at the finals as one of the co-hosts. That leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau battling for the remaining qualification place in Group L.
Chelle demands aggressive start
Chelle has called on his players to approach the opening qualifier with urgency, insisting that Nigeria must impose themselves from the beginning rather than allow Madagascar to settle into the contest.
The French-Malian coach wants the Super Eagles to play on the front foot and collect the three points before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on Tuesday.
Nigeria will have to cope without Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable because of injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has been brought into the squad as his replacement, while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams are among the attacking options available to Chelle.
Zaidu Sanusi is also unavailable, potentially opening the door for Ola Aina to operate at left-back.
Madagascar, meanwhile, will arrive in Uyo with a recent piece of history on their side.
Madagascar carry 2019 memory
The Barea famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, producing one of the biggest results of that tournament.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro scored as Madagascar topped Group B ahead of Nigeria and Guinea. The victory remains the only time Madagascar have beaten the Super Eagles in five senior international meetings.
Madagascar have not returned to the AFCON finals since their memorable quarter-final run in 2019, but their coach Corentin Martins will be aware that the result in Egypt demonstrated the Barea’s ability to trouble Nigeria.
For the Super Eagles, the objective is straightforward: avoid an early slip and establish control of a group in which every point could carry significant weight.
Nigeria vs Madagascar: Head-to-Head
Nigeria have the superior record in the five previous senior meetings between the countries, winning three, drawing one and losing one.
Their previous encounters are:
- October 7, 2000: Madagascar 0-0 Nigeria
- June 2, 2001: Nigeria 1-0 Madagascar
- September 5, 2010: Nigeria 2-0 Madagascar
- September 4, 2011: Madagascar 0-2 Nigeria
- June 30, 2019: Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria
Nigeria have therefore scored five goals and conceded two across the five meetings. Madagascar’s 2019 victory remains their only win in the fixture.
Kick-off time and venue
Match: Nigeria vs Madagascar
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier, Group L
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Kick-off: 5:00pm Nigeria time (4:00pm GMT)
The fixture is also listed by SuperSport as an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on September 25.
How to watch Nigeria vs Madagascar
Nigerian viewers can follow the match live on SuperSport, with coverage available through its DStv and GOtv platforms. The exact channel allocation should be checked on the relevant electronic programme guide before kick-off because broadcast listings can change.
SuperSport’s digital platforms also provide online coverage for eligible subscribers, while international viewing options vary according to territory and broadcaster.
For supporters unable to watch the match live, live-text coverage and updates will also be available through major sports news platforms.
With Uyo expected to provide a strong home atmosphere, Chelle and his players will know that the opening 90 minutes of their AFCON 2027 journey offers an opportunity to establish momentum.
Madagascar, however, arrive with the memory of 2019 and the knowledge that Nigeria’s reputation alone will not guarantee three points.
The Super Eagles must now translate home advantage into a winning start.
