Nigeria will open its qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium before travelling to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will begin their journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a home clash against Madagascar’s Barea on Wednesday, September 23.

The Matchday One fixture will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as Eric Chelle’s side looks to make a winning start to its qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles have been drawn in a four-team qualifying group alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with the teams battling for places at the continental tournament.

After opening their campaign at home, Nigeria will quickly face another test on the road. The Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to Morocco to meet Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus on Sunday, September 27, just four days after their opening fixture.

The tight schedule means Chelle will have to carefully manage his squad, particularly with the team expected to balance travel demands with the need to collect maximum points from its opening two matches.

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Nigeria goes into the qualifying campaign as one of the favourites in the group, given its pedigree in African football. The Super Eagles are three-time Africa Cup of Nations champions and finished third at the most recent edition of the tournament in Morocco.

That record will naturally place expectations on Chelle and his players, with supporters hoping the team can avoid an uncertain start and establish its credentials from the opening match.

A victory against Madagascar in Uyo would provide Nigeria with an early boost before the trip to Morocco. The Super Eagles will also be looking to use home advantage to build momentum and put themselves in a strong position in the group.

Madagascar, however, will not be expected to simply make up the numbers. The Barea have established themselves as a competitive side on the African scene and will be determined to frustrate Nigeria and leave Uyo with a positive result.

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars complete the group, setting up what could become a closely contested qualification battle.

For Chelle, the qualifiers will also provide an opportunity to further shape the Super Eagles and build consistency within the team. Nigeria’s last international outing was a friendly against Portugal in June, making the September fixtures an important return to competitive action.

With the 2027 AFCON finals still some distance away, the Super Eagles know that the first objective is straightforward: start strongly, collect points and put themselves in control of their qualification campaign.

A packed Uyo stadium is expected to provide the backdrop as Nigeria begins its latest attempt to secure a place among Africa’s best at the 2027 continental showpiece.