Nigeria, Sept. 25 -- The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to begin another Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Friday when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Head Coach Eric Chelle has unequivocally declared he wants the strongest start possible as that will be crucial to their hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament.

Nigeria, three-time African champions, missed the 2026 FIFA World Cup but have remained competitive on the continent, reaching the final of the 2023 AFCON before finishing third at the 2025 edition.

With the 2027 tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the Super Eagles are expected to qualify, but the structure of Group L leaves little room for complacency.

Tanzania, one of th...