Ndidi Warns Madagascar Ahead of Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifier
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has warned Madagascar that Nigeria will make the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium a difficult place to play when both teams meet in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria will open their Group L campaign against the Barea in Uyo, with head coach Éric Chelle hoping to lead the Super Eagles to a winning start.
Ndidi stressed the importance of getting a good result in the first game of the qualifying series.
“The first qualifying game is so important because it sets the momentum for going forward,” Ndidi told Football Fans Tribe.
The Beşiktaş midfielder also pointed to Nigeria’s home advantage, saying the Super Eagles must put their opponents under pressure from the start.
“Also, this is our home as well. Nobody comes to our home and feels comfortable. We have to create that idea; we have to send a message,” he said.
Nigeria will be looking to move on from their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and start their AFCON 2027 campaign on a positive note.
Ndidi is part of a 24-man squad that includes Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey.
Victor Osimhen, however, will miss the match after withdrawing from the squad because of injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.
Despite Osimhen’s absence, Ndidi said the players in camp are focused on getting a positive result.
“We’re looking forward to this one, it’s going to be an amazing one, the boys are ready, everyone is tuned to this one and we’ll see,” he added.
Madagascar will also arrive in Uyo with confidence, having defeated Nigeria 2–0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. It remains their only senior victory over the Super Eagles.
Nigeria have won three of their other meetings, while one match ended in a draw.
Friday’s encounter will give Chelle and his players the chance to make a strong start to their journey towards the 2027 AFCON.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
