Nigeria vs Madagascar: Lookman among 5 Super Eagles to watch in AFCON q vs Barea

Nigeria will begin their campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles have qualified for the last four editions of the AFCON, having last failed to reach the tournament in 2017. They will be hoping for a fast start this time around when they take on the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Eric Chelle’s side will be keen to avoid a slow start, especially after recent disappointments, including their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Their task has also been made more difficult by the qualification format. Only one team from Group L will qualify directly, with co-hosts Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Ethiopia.

With little room for complacency, Nigeria must take the game seriously and make a strong start against Madagascar. Soccernet.ng takes a look at five Super Eagles players who could make a difference in the encounter.

Five Nigerian players to watch against Madagascar

1. Ademola Lookman

The Atletico Madrid forward will be expected to carry much of the attacking responsibility against Madagascar, with talisman Victor Osimhen set to miss the game through injury.

Lookman has scored 11 goals in 43 appearances for the Super Eagles, with four of those goals coming in AFCON qualifying matches and he is also no stranger to performing on the big stage.

The 28-year-old was one of Nigeria’s standout players at the 2025 AFCON, scoring three goals and providing four assists as the Super Eagles finished third. Despite his difficult start to the season at Atletico Madrid, Lookman has the quality and experience to make a difference for Nigeria.

With Osimhen unavailable, the forward will be looking to step up, deliver a strong performance and help the Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign on a positive note.

2. Stanley Nwabali

The Chippa United goalkeeper could also be one of the key players to watch if he returns to the Super Eagles' starting XI against Madagascar.

Nwabali is back in the national team setup for the first time since the 2025 AFCON, where his heroics helped Nigeria secure third place, including his penalty-saving contribution in the shootout against Egypt.

He was away from the national team after leaving Chippa United earlier in the year before returning to the club during the summer, where he has once again established himself as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

In his absence from the Super Eagles, Maduka Okoye has taken charge between the posts, while Arthur Okonkwo completed his eligibility switch and featured in both games of the Unity Cup.

However, Nwabali brings valuable experience at this level and has already shown that he can handle the pressure of major international matches. With Nigeria determined to avoid complacency and make a strong start, his return could provide the needed assurance for the defence.

3. Akor Adams

Adams is another player who could play a major role in the absence of Osimhen. Chelle has often used a two-man attack, with Adams and Osimhen playing together. 

However, with Osimhen unavailable, the Nigerian coach could either give Adams a new attacking partner or ask him to lead the line on his own, handing him a bigger responsibility against Madagascar.

Adams has made a strong start to his Super Eagles career and will be keen to take advantage of this opportunity. With Osimhen out, the match could give him the chance to show that he can handle a bigger role in Nigeria’s attack in the long run.

4. Calvin Bassey

Bassey has grown into one of the Super Eagles’ most important defenders since making his international debut and has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet.

The Fulham defender has also taken on a more prominent role at club level this season, with the Nigerian wearing the captain’s armband under Alvaro Arbeloa.

His leadership and consistency could be important for Nigeria against Madagascar, especially with the team looking to avoid an upset.

Bassey has the quality and experience to provide stability at the back, while his growing leadership role could also make him an important figure as the Super Eagles look to put their recent World Cup disappointment behind them.

5. Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi will also be one of the players expected to play a key role in Uyo. The midfielder was named Super Eagles captain following William Troost-Ekong’s retirement and has continued to grow in importance within the national team setup.

Ndidi’s main responsibility against Madagascar will be to provide protection in front of the defence and help Nigeria control the midfield.

His experience and presence could prove important in a game where the Super Eagles cannot afford to take their opponents lightly.