Super Eagles star reveals what fans can expect against Madagascar

Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has revealed what Nigeria must do when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The three-time African champions will face the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, hoping to begin their campaign with a victory and make an early statement in Group L.

Qualifying for the tournament could be more difficult this time around, with only one team from the group guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON because co-hosts Tanzania already have an automatic place.

A win against Madagascar would therefore give Nigeria an important advantage before their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau next week.

The Super Eagles finished third at the last AFCON in Morocco after defeating Egypt in the third-place match. Their only defeat at the tournament came on penalties against hosts Morocco in the semi-final.

Nigeria have also qualified for the last four editions of the AFCON after failing to make the 2017 tournament, which was the second consecutive edition they missed after winning the competition in 2013.

Akor Adams confident Super Eagles can start with a win

The Super Eagles will be hoping for a fast start later today after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and Adams believes the team is ready to put that disappointment behind them.

“It’s positive, as always. It’s good energy. Everybody’s coming from a good pre-season. Almost all the players here started the season very well, we’re fit, and we’re ready”, Adams told Footy-Africa.

“As always, be optimistic. Enough with the negativity all around.

“Football is a game of three sides: we win, we lose, or we draw. But we look to win, so just come out and support us as always.”

Adams, who joined Venezia from Sevilla in the summer in a club-record deal, also outlined what he wants to achieve with the Super Eagles during their qualifying campaign.

“Score goals, help the team to win, and give some good support to my teammates as well”, he added.

“As always, we focus a lot on ourselves and try to play our game.

“Three points all the way. We have two games, now six points — that’s a successful camp.”

Nigeria will face Madagascar today, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The Super Eagles will then face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match next week as they look to make a strong start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.