Nigeria will open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 23.
The Madagascar Football Federation confirmed the fixture while announcing the Barea’s opening match of the qualifying series.
In a statement, the federation said: “The appointment is set for the Barea, who will face Nigeria starting with the first match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Uyo.”
The fixture gives Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle an early opportunity to begin his first AFCON qualifying campaign with a victory on home soil. Nigeria will aim to earn all three points before facing the remaining teams in the group.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation is expected to announce the Super Eagles squad before the September international window. The federation has yet to release the kick-off time, ticket arrangements and broadcast details for the match.
Nigeria and Madagascar have met in competitive football before, most notably at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where Madagascar claimed a 2-0 group-stage victory. The Super Eagles later recovered to finish third at the tournament.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Nigeria seeking another appearance at the continental championship.
