Key Takeaways
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has vowed Nigeria will avoid another poor start as they begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar.
Ndidi stressed the importance of winning Friday’s Group L opener at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Nigeria last faced Madagascar at the 2019 AFCON, suffering a 2-0 defeat, but the Super Eagles remain unbeaten in four AFCON qualifying meetings between both sides.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has promised that Nigeria will not repeat the slow start that damaged their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, with kick-off scheduled for 5 p.m.
Nigeria endured a difficult start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers before recovering late in the campaign, but their resurgence was not enough to secure a place at the tournament.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s Group L clash, Ndidi admitted that the team’s previous qualifying campaign started poorly and insisted the Super Eagles are determined to make a stronger start this time.
“The start was really, really poor, really bad,” Ndidi said. “And it will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum… because the first game is the most important game in every competition.”
The Leicester City midfielder explained that a positive result against Madagascar would give Nigeria the confidence needed to approach the remaining qualifying matches.
“So it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming… We’re ready for it and everyone is focused for it,” he added.
Ndidi also urged his teammates to remain focused on their performances and target maximum points rather than allowing outside pressure or qualification permutations to distract them.
The Super Eagles have previously faced Madagascar several times, with their latest encounter coming at the 2019 AFCON group stage, where the Barea recorded a 2-0 victory.
However, Nigeria have the stronger record in previous AFCON qualifying meetings, winning three and drawing one of their four encounters against Madagascar.