AFCON Qualifiers: Chelle, Ndidi Target Victory Against Madagascar

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi have assured Nigerians that the team are focused on securing victory against Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match on Friday.

The duo gave the assurance at a joint pre-match press conference ahead of the Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Despite having more than five players unavailable due to injuries, Chelle said the Super Eagles remain focused on securing maximum points and starting their qualifying campaign on a positive note.

The coach acknowledged the pressure surrounding the team following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but said his players were prepared to handle the expectations.

“It’s a big game. We are under pressure, but we know how to overcome it and stay focused because pressure is part of the game,” Chelle said.

“The team has a good ranking in the world and we’re going into the match with the right frame of mind.

“We have lots of injuries, but it’s not going to be a problem for us. Madagascar are a good team with physical players, and they beat us in 2019, but we must try to be ambitious, forget about what happened last year and go for victory.”

Madagascar famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, a result Chelle said his players must put aside as they prepare for Friday’s encounter.

Ndidi, meanwhile, said the Super Eagles were well prepared for the challenge and understood the importance of opening the qualifying campaign with a win.

“We are ready and well prepared. We are focusing on the result,” the captain stressed.

He added that victory would provide the team with an important morale boost as they begin their quest for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

Ndidi also urged Nigerian supporters to turn out in numbers and rally behind the Super Eagles throughout the encounter.