Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their campaign for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when they host Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifier on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time (4:00 p.m. GMT).
The encounter marks the beginning of Nigeria’s six-match qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Nigeria vs Madagascar: Match Details
Match: Nigeria vs Madagascar
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers – Group L
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time / 4:00 p.m. GMT
Group: Group L
Nigeria’s next match: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria, September 29, 2026
The fixture is one of the opening matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with all Group L teams beginning their respective campaigns during the current international window.
Where to Watch Nigeria vs Madagascar
For viewers in Nigeria, the match is expected to be available through SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, although supporters are advised to check their electronic programme guides for the confirmed channel allocation before kick-off.
SuperSport has listed the Nigeria-Madagascar fixture on its match schedule, while current broadcast information also points viewers towards the broadcaster’s digital platforms, subject to subscription and territorial availability.
Across other African markets, Canal+ Sport 1 Afrique is listed among the broadcasters carrying the fixture.
For viewers in the United States, beIN SPORTS has listed Nigeria vs Madagascar for live coverage, with availability also dependent on the relevant service and territory.
International viewers should therefore check their local broadcaster’s official listings before the match, as AFCON broadcasting arrangements can differ between countries.
Nigeria Begin AFCON Qualification Without Osimhen
Nigeria will enter the match without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau while recovering from a muscle injury.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that the Galatasaray forward would miss the two matches after sustaining the injury during a Turkish league game.
Osimhen had initially been included in coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad but was subsequently withdrawn because of the injury.
His absence leaves Nigeria with several other attacking options, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Chelle has also included three players receiving their first senior Nigeria call-ups: goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, midfielder Isaac James and forward George Ilenikhena.
Madagascar Bring Fresh Confidence
Madagascar will arrive in Uyo hoping to begin their qualifying campaign with a positive result against Nigeria.
Coach Corentin Martins has selected a 25-man squad for the opening two qualifiers, with goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber receiving their first senior call-ups.
Warren Caddy has also returned to the national team setup, adding experience to an attacking group that includes Hakim Abdallah and Arnaud Randrianantenaina.
Madagascar enter the qualifiers after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship, a run that provided the team with additional momentum ahead of their senior AFCON campaign.
The Barea will face Tanzania in their second Group L qualifier on September 29.
What Is at Stake in Group L?
Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau were drawn together in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
However, the group has a special qualification arrangement because Tanzania is one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament and has already secured an automatic place in the finals.
As a result, only the highest-ranked team other than Tanzania will qualify from Group L.
That makes the six-match campaign particularly important for Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with every point potentially affecting the final qualification position.
CAF’s qualifying format provides for home-and-away matches across six matchdays. The opening two matchdays are being played during the September-October 2026 international window, followed by further fixtures in November 2026 and March 2027.
Previous Nigeria-Madagascar Meetings
Nigeria and Madagascar have met several times in international competition.
One of the most notable encounters came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, when Madagascar defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the group stage.
Nigeria have otherwise recorded three victories in their previous five meetings with Madagascar, while one match ended in a draw.
The historical record gives the fixture additional context, but both teams now begin a new qualification campaign with a different set of players and coaching circumstances.
What Happens Next?
Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L qualifier on September 29, four days after the Madagascar match.
Madagascar, meanwhile, will host Tanzania on the same date.
The remaining qualification fixtures will be played during the November 2026 and March 2027 international windows.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 19, 2027, with the final set for July 17, 2027.
For Nigeria, the immediate task is to begin the qualification campaign strongly in Uyo. For Madagascar, the match provides an opportunity to collect points away from home and build on the momentum generated by their recent CHAN campaign.
Weng Global – stories beyond borders
Sources
Confederation of African Football (CAF)
Nigeria Football Federation
SuperSport
Vanguard
Soccernet NG
Al Jazeera
beIN SPORTS
