Nigeria’s Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has rallied his squad ahead of international fixtures, urging the players to secure maximum points in their upcoming continental qualifying encounters.
The three-time African champions begin their journey to the 2027 tournament this week. Nigeria will play a crucial double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau within five days.
The team hosts Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. Subsequently, the squad will travel to Bissau for a demanding away fixture on Tuesday.
Chelle emphasised the importance of high intensity during his pre-match address to the media.
“We have to show everyone from Day One that we want it, and the only way to do that is to go for it with our hearts and refuse to slow down at any point. We must go for the points without any hesitation,” Chelle told thenff.com.
Head-To-Head Record: Nigeria aim to dominate Madagascar
Historically, the Nigerian national team holds a competitive advantage over their upcoming Malagasy opponents.
Sixteen years ago, Nigeria recorded a comfortable 2-0 qualification victory over Madagascar in Calabar. The Super Eagles matched that exact scoreline during the return fixture in Antananarivo a year later.
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However, Madagascar produced a massive surprise during the 2019 AFCON tournament in Egypt. The island nation stunned Nigeria with a famous 2-0 group-stage victory in Alexandria.
Right now, Chelle is determined to avoid any tactical slip-ups during Friday’s opening fixture. The manager wants his players focused entirely on taking early control of the qualification group.
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The technical crew has assembled an impressive roster featuring top European-based professionals, with supporters across the country expecting maximum points from these two opening qualifying matches.
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