Nigeria vs Madagascar: Super Eagles Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifying Campaign Without Osimhen
Nigeria begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo, with the Super Eagles facing their first major challenge without injured striker Victor Osimhen. Eric Chelle's side will be expected to make a strong start, but Madagascar arrive with enough experience — and a recent history of troubling Nigeria — to make this an important opening test.
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Victor Osimhen — OUT
Osimhen suffered a muscle strain and pain in his right thigh while playing for Galatasaray and has been ruled out of both September AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
He has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for Nigeria, so his absence removes a significant source of international goals.
Welcome to OtownGist’s live coverage of Nigeria vs Madagascar!
The Super Eagles are in Uyo for their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier, and the action is about to begin. Nigeria start without injured striker Victor Osimhen, while Eric Chelle looks to lead the Eagles to a strong start in Group L.
Madagascar will be hoping to cause another surprise against Nigeria, having beaten the Super Eagles 2-0 at AFCON 2019.
Stay with OtownGist for live updates, goals, key moments, substitutions, cards, statistics and reaction throughout the match.
About this story
The Super Eagles begin their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, September 25, when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Kick-off is 5:00pm Nigerian time. Nigeria enters the game with one major attacking problem: Victor Osimhen is unavailable because of a right-thigh muscle strain, with Taiwo Awoniyi called up as his replacement.
But the bigger picture is the qualification race. Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the one qualification place available to a non-host in Group L, because co-host Tanzania is automatically qualified.