Nigeria vs Madagascar – Predicted lineup and team news

Nigeria will begin their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday when they welcome Madagascar to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Super Eagles head into this qualifying campaign in fairly steady form, although their most recent match ended in a disappointing 2-1 friendly defeat against Portugal in June. Before that result, Nigeria had enjoyed an impressive start to 2026. They recorded convincing friendly wins over Jamaica and Zimbabwe, defeating the former 3-0 and the latter 2-0, while also playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Poland. They will now hope to produce another dominant display in front of their home supporters.

Nigeria team news

Victor Osimhen is officially ruled out. The forward withdrew from the squad after suffering a muscle strain, leaving the Super Eagles without one of their most important attacking players. To strengthen the forward line, head coach Eric Chelle has made a late addition to the squad by calling up Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

Nigeria have also included promising young forward George Ilenikhena, who has received his first senior international call-up.

Experienced midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi are likely to play key roles in controlling the centre of the pitch and helping Nigeria maintain possession.

In attack, much of the creative responsibility will fall on Ademola Lookman, who was recently named among the Ballon d’Or nominees.

Lookman is expected to provide the main attacking spark and could operate alongside Awoniyi and Ilenikhena as Nigeria look to break down a disciplined and resilient Madagascar defence.

Nigeria predicted lineup

Possible Nigeria starting XI: Nwabali; Aina, Bassey, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Awoniyi, Ilenikhena.

When will the match kick off?

The match will kick off at 5pm BST on Friday, 25th September.

How to watch Nigeria vs Madagascar?

There is no official UK television broadcaster scheduled to show a live feed of today’s Nigeria versus Madagascar match in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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