AFCON 2027 (Q): Éric Chelle does not want to make things complicated

25.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Nigeria

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Madagascar

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Éric Chelle wants Nigeria to show their ambitions from the start of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Ahead of Friday’s home match against Madagascar in Uyo, the Super Eagles coach stressed the need to quickly pick up points and set the tone from the first matchday.

“We have to show that we want it”

For Éric Chelle, Nigeria must not wait before making their intentions clear in this qualifying campaign.

We have to show everyone from the first day that we want it. We have to go and get the points without any hesitation.

The coach therefore wants to see his players immediately throw themselves into the competition with the same ambition, after Nigeria missed out on qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Chelle wants to avoid another difficult campaign

The 48-year-old coach stressed the importance of making a strong start to the qualifiers. After Madagascar, the Super Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau on September 29 for their second Group L match. Chelle will be able to count on several key players, including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon and Ola Aina. However, the Nigerian squad will have to cope without Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable due to a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace him.

Nigeria also remembers their defeat to Madagascar at the AFCON 2019. The Barea won 2-0 in the group stage before reaching the quarter-finals. On Friday, Chelle will therefore expect a reaction from his players from the first qualifying match.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

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