Nigeria face rising Madagascar in first test of AFCON 2027 qualifying

Nigeria begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against an improving Madagascar side on 25 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 16:00 GMT.

The Super Eagles are hoping a stronger international cycle can help them restore their standing after failing to qualify for the two successive FIFA World Cups at the start of this decade.

Despite having an impressive squad during that period, Nigeria fell short of reaching the finals. They are now under the management of former Mali international central defender Eric Chelle, who will lead the team into their latest qualification campaign.

Madagascar have established themselves as a more competitive force over the past decade. Their progress was highlighted by a run to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, their best performance in the competition.

The Malagasy team also won six FIFA World Cup qualifying matches last year, providing evidence of their development and ensuring Nigeria cannot afford to underestimate them.

However, Madagascar face a demanding challenge in a group in which co-hosts Tanzania have already secured a qualifying place. Nigeria are expected to begin their campaign with a hard-fought victory, but the meeting represents another opportunity for the Super Eagles to prove that their international fortunes are changing.