Frank Onyeka: 2 things Super Eagles must get right against Madagascar

Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka is keen to start Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar on the right note, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Coventry City midfielder acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but said the squad has already turned its attention towards securing a place at next year’s AFCON.

Nigeria host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later. Onyeka was clear about the minimum expectation.

“Just like every other match that we’ll be playing, we have to win every game,” the former Brentford midfielder said in an interview with Victor Ademola TV.

“I know we’re quite disappointed not to qualify for the World Cup, but now we’re back. We have something to prepare for, which is the Afcon next year.”

But beyond the demand for victory, the midfielder’s comments point to two things Nigeria must get right against Madagascar.

1. Super Eagles must win with a convincing performance

There is understandable emphasis on the result, particularly after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Onyeka did not suggest that victory alone would be sufficient.

“We focus only on ourselves. We don’t focus on the opponent. So, we have to play well to win. That’s what we are focusing on: to play well and win,” the 28-year-old said.

Nigeria have enough attacking quality and experience to make themselves a dangerous side in Uyo, but the objective should be to control the game rather than rely solely on individual moments.

The Super Eagles are also entering a new competitive campaign with some changes to the squad. Stanley Nwabali has returned after his long spell away from competitive football, while Arthur Okonkwo has emerged as another option following his switch of international allegiance.

Victor Osimhen was initially included in Chelle’s squad before being ruled out with a right adductor muscle injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi replacing him.

Chelle now has to establish a coherent performance from a group containing established internationals and newer options.

For Onyeka, that starts with Nigeria playing well enough to make the result a consequence of their performance.

2. Nigeria must respect Madagascar without becoming distracted by them

Onyeka also delivered an interesting message about how Nigeria should approach the Barea.

“We don’t underestimate anything,” he said.

Yet the midfielder immediately added that Nigeria’s focus should remain on themselves.

“So, I guess we’ll take every game as it comes, but for us, we want to win this game, especially when we’re playing on our own ground.”

That is important, given Nigeria’s history against Madagascar. The Barea famously defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, although Nigeria have won three of the five meetings between the nations, with one draw and one Madagascar victory.

Madagascar arrive in Uyo with evidence that they can trouble Nigeria, but Chelle’s players cannot afford to allow that history to dominate their preparation.

The Super Eagles’ task is to respect the threat while maintaining control of the contest.

Onyeka’s comments are also consistent with the message coming from the Nigerian camp. The midfielder is not advocating complacency simply because Nigeria are playing at home; instead, he wants the team to concentrate on its own performance.

Frank Onyeka’s message reflects Nigeria’s bigger challenge

The significance of Friday’s fixture extends beyond the opening three points. Nigeria are beginning another qualification campaign after missing the 2026 World Cup, and there is now an opportunity to rebuild momentum by securing a strong start to their AFCON campaign.

Onyeka’s message is that Nigeria must win, but they must also produce the kind of performance that makes the victory convincing.

“We have to play well to win. That’s what we are focusing on: to play well and win,” he said.

For Chelle and his players, Madagascar provides the first test of whether that approach can translate from words into action.