Nigeria vs Madagascar: Super Eagles To Open AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Without Victor Osimhen
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
Who Fills the Striker Role for Eric Chelle In Osimhen’s Absence?
After failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and last winning the continental title in 2013, the Super Eagles are under immense pressure heading into the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria's opening match of qualifying is set to take place against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium this evening, and the three-time African champions were dealt a major blow in the lead-up to this competition.
Victor Osimhen has been ruled out for Nigeria’s qualifier against Madagascar through injury!
Losing Osimhen is a major setback for Nigeria’s tactical setup given his sheer importance. The former African Player of the Year is central to the team’s transitional game, providing a focal point up front while adding strength and intensity to their high-pressing approach.
As discussed in our Nigeria vs Madagascar prediction, to fill the void left by the Galatasaray marksman, Eric Chelle is expected to hand a massive opportunity to the recalled Taiwo Awoniyi, who possesses the necessary physical presence to hold up the ball and create space for late-running midfielders.
However, the most exciting wildcard is teenage sensation George Ilenikhena. The 20-year-old has been lighting up Europe and is heavily tipped to earn his senior international debut today, giving Chelle a dynamic option off the bench.
Lookman and Simon Called Upon to Carry Scoring Burden
The uncertainty at striker means Nigeria’s wingers could carry greater responsibility in the final third. Ademola Lookman, among the leading candidates for this year’s African Player of the Year honour, enters today’s fixture in fine form and is set to be a key figure in the Super Eagles’ attack.
Chelle could deploy Lookman as an inverted forward, encouraging him to cut inside from the left and operate in spaces usually occupied by Osimhen!
On the right wing, Moses Simon’s crossing ability could give Nigeria an important weapon against Madagascar’s low block. The instruction for both wide players will be to provide Awoniyi with early service while using their movement to create greater variety in the final third.
Madagascar is not an opponent that the Super Eagles can afford to underestimate. The Barea famously humiliated Nigeria 2-0 during the 2019 AFCON group stage - a historic upset that still lingers in the minds of many Nigerian football fans.
The stakes are raised further by the regulations governing Group L. Since tournament co-hosts Tanzania are in this group and qualify automatically, only one other team out of Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau can advance to the 2027 AFCON main draw.
Nigeria vs Madagascar: Match Details
- Date: Friday 25 September
- Kick-Off Time: 16:00 GMT / 17:00 Nigerian Time / 18:00 SAST
- Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria
- Live Coverage: SuperSport Football or via our Nigeria vs Madagascar livescore tool
