Some football stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the Super Eagles to secure victory against Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier to restore confidence in the team.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria will face Madagascar on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, in their opening Group L qualifier.
The stakeholders made the call in separate interviews with NAN in Abuja on Thursday.
Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with the latter already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts.
Bunmi Haruna, a former Golden Eaglets assistant coach, said the match would provide Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle with an opportunity to assess his squad and integrate new players.
“I think it’s a chance for the Super Eagles to regroup again. As a fan, I look at it as an opportunity for the coach to see what he has been trying to do since the Unity Tournament and other engagements.
“It is also a chance to see the new players who have played themselves into the team. I would like to see Arthur Okonkwo and how well he fits into the team.
“He looks like someone who can help the team play better, starting from the defence,” he said.
Haruna said the return of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Benjamin Frederick, alongside the inclusion of Emmanuel Fernandez, would give Chelle more options to assess his squad.
“We need to take advantage of these games and start winning right from the beginning,” he said.
He, however, cautioned the players against underestimating Madagascar, saying the Super Eagles must prove their quality on the pitch.
“This is a side we expect the Super Eagles to beat at home, but saying it is one thing and doing it is another.
“The Eagles will still need to go onto the pitch and get the job done,” he said.
Also speaking, Salifu Usman, Sports Editor of Leadership Newspaper, urged the team to remain focused and begin the campaign with a victory.
“My advice to the Super Eagles is to focus on the game. Nigerians and football fans are not happy with the Super Eagles at the moment, especially because of what happened with the World Cup.
“Now we are back with the Nations Cup qualifiers. Although the Nations Cup cannot be compared with the World Cup, they need to start on a winning note,” Usman said.
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He said the team still had several key players, including Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi and captain Wilfred Ndidi, despite the absence of Victor Osimhen through injury.
“We still have a strong squad capable of beating Madagascar. All I want is for the Super Eagles to go for the win.
“I can’t predict the scoreline, but I believe they should play for victory,” he said.
The Super Eagles held a closed-door training session at the main bowl of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Wednesday as preparations continued for Friday’s encounter.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at 5 p.m. on Friday before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Sept. 29.
