“This is our home” – Super Eagles star warns Madagascar ahead of AFCON qualifier showdown

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has warned Madagascar that Nigeria will be determined to make the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium an uncomfortable venue for the Barea when the two teams meet in Friday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, with Éric Chelle’s side targeting a winning start to their Group L campaign.

Ndidi, who is expected to captain the Super Eagles in the crucial encounter, stressed the importance of starting the qualifying campaign on a positive note.

“The first qualifying game is so important because it sets the momentum for going forward,” Ndidi told Football Fans Tribe.

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The Besiktas midfielder also highlighted Nigeria’s home advantage, insisting that the Super Eagles must make their opponents feel the pressure from the moment they step onto the pitch.

“Also, this is our home as well,” Ndidi said.

“Nobody comes to our home and feels comfortable. We have to create that idea; we have to send a message to everyone.”

Ndidi: Super Eagles ready for Madagascar

The Super Eagles will head into Friday’s clash looking to put their disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup behind them and begin their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON on a strong note.

Nigeria’s squad includes several experienced players, with Ndidi joined by the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey. The NFF confirmed Ndidi among Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen, however, will miss the encounter after withdrawing from the squad with an injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi brought in as his replacement.

Despite the absence of the Galatasaray striker, Ndidi believes the players in camp are fully focused on delivering a positive result.

“We're looking forward to this one, it's going to be an amazing one, the boys are ready, everyone is tuned to this one and we'll see,” the Super Eagles captain added.

Madagascar will arrive in Uyo with confidence of their own, having famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt: their only victory over the Super Eagles in senior meetings. Nigeria have won three of those encounters, while the other ended in a draw.

Friday’s encounter is therefore another opportunity for Nigeria to begin a new qualifying campaign with a statement result on home soil.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5 pm Nigerian time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.