Super Eagles unbeaten against Madagascar ahead of 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L.

Eric Chelle’s side will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September 2026, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second match on Tuesday, 29 September.

The Super Eagles have previously met both nations in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. Here are six key facts from those encounters.

Nigeria’s first meeting with Madagascar ended in a draw

The Super Eagles first faced Madagascar in the first leg of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Group A match, played in Antananarivo in October 2000, ended goalless after 90 minutes.

Nigeria won the return fixture 1-0 in Benin City, with Benedict Akwuegbu scoring in the fourth minute.

The Super Eagles and Zambia went on to qualify for the 2002 tournament, while Madagascar and Namibia missed out.

Madagascar have never beaten Nigeria in qualifying

Nigeria have played Madagascar four times in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying and remain unbeaten.

Following the 0-0 draw away from home in the 2002 qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles won the return match 1-0.

The teams were drawn together again in the qualifiers for the 2012 tournament, with Nigeria recording 2-0 victories in both the home and away fixtures.

Madagascar have never scored against the Super Eagles

Madagascar will be seeking their first qualifying goal against Nigeria when the sides meet in Uyo on 25 September.

Across the four previous matches, the Super Eagles have scored five times and have not conceded.

Nigeria have won the last three meetings

The Super Eagles’ three most recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar have all ended in victory.

Their first meeting produced a goalless draw, but Nigeria then secured three successive wins against the Barea.

Guinea-Bissau lost their first home qualifier against Nigeria

Guinea-Bissau will host Nigeria on 29 September, hoping to improve on their first home meeting with the Super Eagles in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

That match took place during the qualification campaign for the 2023 tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. It was the second leg of matchday four, and Nigeria won 1-0.

Moses Simon scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.

Guinea-Bissau won the teams’ first qualifying encounter

Guinea-Bissau claimed victory when the two countries first met in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

The match was the first-leg Group A fixture for the 2023 tournament and was played on matchday three at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Mama Balde scored in the 29th minute to give Guinea-Bissau a 1-0 win.