Super Eagles vs Madagascar
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will today (Friday) begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Players of the Super Eagles tutored by head coach Eric Chelle including; Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and George Ilenikhena have already been talking tough ahead of the must-win encounter.
Eric Chelle has charged his players who have been preparing hard in camp to show everyone from day one that they want win the game against the Barea of Madagascar.
According to him, the only way they can do that is to play against Madagascar with all their hearts and refuse to slow down at any point until the three points at stake in the game are secured.
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins has also declared that his team is in the right mental state to cause another upset when they face the Super Eagles.
Martins who spoke ahead of the much-anticipated AFCON Group L encounter expressed strong confidence in his squad’s preparation and readiness to cause another upset against the Super Eagles on home soil.
In the year 2010, the Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-0 in an AFCON qualifying game played in Calabar. The Super Eagles also beat the Barea by the same goal margin a year later in the reverse fixture played in Antananarivo.
However, Madagascar secured its first victory against Nigeria when it caused one of the biggest upsets in AFCON history by defeating Nigeria by 2-0 in a group game at 2019 Nations Cup in Alexandria, Egypt.
As the countdown for the game begins, FirstDailySports focuses its beamlight on six players from both teams who could decided the game as Nigeria and Madagascar gun for all the three points at stake in this opening Group L encounter.
Read Also: Chelle targets strong start in Nations Cup qualifiers
Ademola Lookman (NGR): The versatile Atletico Madrid winger has exceptional dribbling ability and he is able to pop up with decisive goals in major international fixtures.
With Osimhen ruled out of this encounter with an injury, Lookman will likely be Nigeria’s most dangerous player on the pitch and may become the undisputed primary goal scoring threat for the Super Eagles.
Akor Adams (NGR): Power playing forward Akor Adams will seek to continue his impressive output in the colours of the Super Eagles when they host Madagascar in Uyo.
The newly signed Venezia of Italy striker is expected to display his immense physical presence in greater game. His hold-up play will also be crucial in breaking down a stubborn Madagascar low block.
Read Also: Onyeka fired up for AFCON qualifying games
Alex Iwobi (NGR): The former Arsenal player has proven to be one of Nigeria’s most creative outlets since he made his debut for the Super Eagles.
Now plying his trade for Fulham FC, Iwobi is expected to run the engine room of the Eagles. His ability to transition play from defence to attack and his eye for key passes may prove to be the decider in this game.
Warren Caddy (MAD): If Madagascar deploy smash and grab tactics in this game, then expect Caddy to successfully execute the strategy.
He is Madagascar’s leading option in attack with his clinical finishing and his ability to capitalise on mistakes. The player’s threat will likely pose a threat to the defence line of the Super Eagles led by Semi Ajayi.
Loic Lapoussin (MAD): Loic is another player that the Super Eagles defence line need to be wary of due to his creative spark.
He may be a handful for Nigeria’s full-backs as he is know for his explosive pace and trickery on the flanks.
If left unchecked, Loic’s direct running could cause significant problems for Nigeria in this group game with his talent capable of swinging the tide in favour of his team.
Ryan Raveloson (MAD): Ryan who is the captain of the Madagascar team is regarded as the heart beat of the squad dictating play from the midfield.
The vocal leader whose work rate on the field of play is described as second to none is expected to lead the line for his team from the midfield in this encounter initiating quick counterattacks to unsettle the Super Eagles defence.
Six players to watch out for as Super Eagles begin AFCONQ series
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will today (Friday) begin their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Players of the Super Eagles tutored by head coach Eric Chelle including; Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman and George Ilenikhena have already been talking tough ahead of the must-win encounter.
Eric Chelle has charged his players who have been preparing hard in camp to show everyone from day one that they want win the game against the Barea of Madagascar.
According to him, the only way they can do that is to play against Madagascar with all their hearts and refuse to slow down at any point until the three points at stake in the game are secured.
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins has also declared that his team is in the right mental state to cause another upset when they face the Super Eagles.
Martins who spoke ahead of the much-anticipated AFCON Group L encounter expressed strong confidence in his squad’s preparation and readiness to cause another upset against the Super Eagles on home soil.
In the year 2010, the Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-0 in an AFCON qualifying game played in Calabar. The Super Eagles also beat the Barea by the same goal margin a year later in the reverse fixture played in Antananarivo.
However, Madagascar secured its first victory against Nigeria when it caused one of the biggest upsets in AFCON history by defeating Nigeria by 2-0 in a group game at 2019 Nations Cup in Alexandria, Egypt.
As the countdown for the game begins, FirstDailySports focuses its beamlight on six players from both teams who could decided the game as Nigeria and Madagascar gun for all the three points at stake in this opening Group L encounter.
Read Also: Chelle targets strong start in Nations Cup qualifiers
Ademola Lookman (NGR): The versatile Atletico Madrid winger has exceptional dribbling ability and he is able to pop up with decisive goals in major international fixtures.
With Osimhen ruled out of this encounter with an injury, Lookman will likely be Nigeria’s most dangerous player on the pitch and may become the undisputed primary goal scoring threat for the Super Eagles.
Akor Adams (NGR): Power playing forward Akor Adams will seek to continue his impressive output in the colours of the Super Eagles when they host Madagascar in Uyo.
The newly signed Venezia of Italy striker is expected to display his immense physical presence in greater game. His hold-up play will also be crucial in breaking down a stubborn Madagascar low block.
Read Also: Onyeka fired up for AFCON qualifying games
Alex Iwobi (NGR): The former Arsenal player has proven to be one of Nigeria’s most creative outlets since he made his debut for the Super Eagles.
Now plying his trade for Fulham FC, Iwobi is expected to run the engine room of the Eagles. His ability to transition play from defence to attack and his eye for key passes may prove to be the decider in this game.
Warren Caddy (MAD): If Madagascar deploy smash and grab tactics in this game, then expect Caddy to successfully execute the strategy.
He is Madagascar’s leading option in attack with his clinical finishing and his ability to capitalise on mistakes. The player’s threat will likely pose a threat to the defence line of the Super Eagles led by Semi Ajayi.
Loic Lapoussin (MAD): Loic is another player that the Super Eagles defence line need to be wary of due to his creative spark.
He may be a handful for Nigeria’s full-backs as he is know for his explosive pace and trickery on the flanks.
If left unchecked, Loic’s direct running could cause significant problems for Nigeria in this group game with his talent capable of swinging the tide in favour of his team.
Ryan Raveloson (MAD): Ryan who is the captain of the Madagascar team is regarded as the heart beat of the squad dictating play from the midfield.
The vocal leader whose work rate on the field of play is described as second to none is expected to lead the line for his team from the midfield in this encounter initiating quick counterattacks to unsettle the Super Eagles defence.
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