The Super Eagles are set to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, with head coach Éric Chelle expected to make some important selection decisions.
Among the biggest talking points is the goalkeeper position, where Stanley Nwabali is reportedly in line to start ahead of Maduka Okoye.
Chelle’s side will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time. The match will mark the beginning of Nigeria’s six-game qualifying campaign.
The Super Eagles are looking to start strongly after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Madagascar will provide a reminder of a painful result from the two countries’ previous AFCON meeting in 2019.
Stanley Nwabali is expected to get the nod in goal despite the presence of Okoye and new call-up Arthur Okonkwo.
Nwabali has been recalled to the squad after missing recent international assignments and has reportedly impressed since returning to Chippa United. His experience with Nigeria at the last two AFCON tournaments could also work in his favour.
Okoye, meanwhile, was initially absent from the Super Eagles’ camp after receiving permission from his club to attend other activities. Chelle confirmed that the goalkeeper’s absence had been approved by Udinese, although his delayed arrival has created uncertainty around his place in the starting XI.
Okoye eventually arrived in Uyo on Friday, hours before kick-off, meaning his absence from the predicted line-up should not be interpreted as a disciplinary suspension or exclusion from the squad.
For now, Nwabali is widely expected to start.
Nigeria’s defence is expected to feature a familiar combination of experience and Premier League quality.
Ola Aina could return at right-back, while Bruno Onyemaechi is expected to operate on the opposite side.
In central defence, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey are tipped to form the partnership in front of Nwabali.
Chelle has several other options available, including Benjamin Fredricks, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu and new call-up Isaac James. The NFF confirmed that Aina, Fredricks, Onyemaechi, Bassey and Ajayi are all among the players available for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers.
The defensive unit will be particularly important as Nigeria attempt to avoid a repeat of Madagascar’s famous 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON.
Wilfred Ndidi is expected to anchor the midfield, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka completing the three-man unit.
The trio brings a mixture of defensive strength, ball progression and experience, Ndidi remains one of the most experienced players in the squad and will be expected to provide protection for the back four.
Iwobi can offer creativity and movement between midfield and attack, while Onyeka’s energy could become important against a Madagascar side expected to compete physically.
Chelle has limited options in midfield following the absence of Alhassan Yusuf and Tochukwu Nnadi, making the experienced trio a likely choice for the opening qualifier.
The biggest selection headache comes in attack, Victor Osimhen is unavailable after suffering a muscle injury, forcing Chelle to look for another solution at centre-forward. Taiwo Awoniyi was brought into the squad as his replacement.
However, Pulse Sports expects Chelle to use Moses Simon in a more central role alongside Akor Adams, with Ademola Lookman operating behind the front two.
That would give Nigeria an attacking trio with plenty of movement and experience.
Lookman is expected to play in the pocket behind Simon and Adams, giving him freedom to move into dangerous positions and link midfield with the attack.
Akor Adams is also coming into the game with club form behind him, while Simon remains one of Chelle’s trusted attacking options.
One player who could make his Super Eagles debut is George Ilenikhena, the young Al-Ittihad forward received his first senior invitation alongside Isaac James and Arthur Okonkwo. He is included in the AFCON qualifying squad and could provide another attacking option from the bench.
Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Usor are also available, giving Chelle several alternatives if the initial attacking plan fails to produce the desired result.
The absence of Osimhen therefore creates uncertainty, but it also gives other forwards an opportunity to make an impression.
Chelle has made it clear that Nigeria cannot afford to approach the qualifying campaign slowly, speaking ahead of the match, the coach said the Super Eagles must show their determination from the first day and go for the points without hesitation.
Nigeria will also be aware of Madagascar’s history in this fixture, the Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON, although Nigeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage before that match.
This time, the circumstances are different, both teams are beginning a fresh qualifying campaign, and every point could prove important in the race for the 2027 tournament.
After the home fixture, Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying match on September 29.
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defence: Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi
Midfield: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi
Attack: Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams
The line-up remains subject to Chelle’s final decision, particularly in goal and attack.
For Nigeria, though, the objective is clear: start the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a positive result and avoid allowing another slow start to derail their ambitions.
