Nigeria vs Madagascar Preview – prediction, team news, lineups | AFCON 2027 qualifiers
The Barea emerged victorious when these sides last met in 2019!
The Nigeria national football team are all set to lock horns with the Madagascar national football team for their group stage fixture in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will witness this interesting clash.
The Super Eagles are now all set to be back in action after their international friendly against Portugal in June 2026. They suffered a loss, but gave a strong fight to the UEFA Nations League winners. The Éric Chelle-led side are now looking to begin their qualification run for the upcoming edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Nigeria national football team have only won the competition three times. This time around, they will not only be looking to qualify, but also go for the prestigious trophy.
The Madagascar national football team are going to have a tough opening game in their hands. They will have to put in a lot of hard work from the start and just cannot make the slightest mistake.
Corentin Martins’ men will have to step up their game, as being away from home is going to keep them under pressure from the beginning. They took down the Super Eagles the last time around, but will the Barea be able to do it again?
Kick-off:
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
- Location: Uyo, Nigeria
- Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
- Date: Friday, September 25
- Kick-off Time: 09:30 PM IST/ 04:00 PM GMT/ 12:00 PM ET/ 09:00 AM PT
- Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat
- VAR: In use
Form:
Nigeria: W-W-W-D-L
Madagascar: W-L-W-W-L
Players to Watch
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
In the absence of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman is going to be one of the main men in the final third for the Nigeria national football team. Lookman has come up with some decent performances for his club, Atletico Madrid, this season. He will now be looking to help his nation in the AFCON qualification.
Hakim Abdallah (Madagascar)
Hakim Abdallah will be looking to step up his game so that he can help the Madagascar national football team help stand a chance against the Super Eagles. The 28-year-old will be once again deployed in the attacking front. He will be looking to come up with a top performance.
Match Facts
- Nigeria are winless in their last two matches.
- Madagascar have won two of their last three games.
- The Barea have only defeated the Super Eagles once in their five meetings.
Betting Tips & Odds
- Nigeria to win
- Ademola Lookman to score
- Goals under 3.5
Injury and Team News
After failing to recover from an injury in time, Victor Osimhen has withdrawn from the Nigeria squad. Taiwo Awoniyi is going to get a chance.
Madagascar have all their players ready and fit to be in action.
Head-to-Head
Matches played: 5
Nigeria (wins): 3
Madagascar (wins): 1
Draws: 1
Predicted Lineups
Nigeria predicted XI (4-3-1-2)
Okoye (GK); Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, James; Onyedika, Ndidi, Onyeka; Iwobi; Adams, Lookman
Madagascar predicted XI (3-5-2)
Dupire (GK); Kari, Pelmard, Fontaine; Randrianantenaina, Raveloson, Rakotondrajoa, Ilaimaharitra, Lapoussin; Caddy, Abdallah
Match Prediction
Nigeria have a slightly better squad quality and the home advantage. This will give them a slight edge over Madagascar, who will still be eager to put up a strong fight.
The Super Eagles are likely to come out on top and secure a win.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Madagascar
Telecast Details
Nigeria: Canal+, Sport 1 Afrique
USA: beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT
When and where is the Nigeria vs Madagascar AFCON 2027 qualifier?
This clash is all set to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25.
Where and how to watch AFCON qualifiers in the USA?
Fans can view all the matches live via beIN SPORTS en Español, fuboTV, beIN SPORTS CONNECT.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.