Nigeria vs Madagascar: 2 areas that could decide Super Eagles meeting with Barea

Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar later today, with the Super Eagles hoping to start the race for a place at the tournament on a winning note, Afrik-Foot reports.

Eric Chelle’s side will welcome the Barea to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, knowing that a positive result could give them an early advantage in Group L.

The Super Eagles are expected to go into the game as favourites, but Madagascar should not be taken lightly as they several attacking players capable of causing problems.

Chelle will have to get his team selection and tactics right, especially with Victor Osimhen unavailable because of a muscle injury. The Galatasaray striker was ruled out of both opening AFCON qualifiers, leaving Nigeria with other options to lead the attack. 

Ahead of the clash, Afrik-Foot takes a look at two key areas that could have a major say in how the game goes.

Nigeria’s attack vs Madagascar’s defence

With Osimhen out, much of the attention will be on how Nigeria replace his quality in the attacking area.

Chelle still has several attacking options at his disposal, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena, while Taiwo Awoniyi was also brought into the squad as a replacement for Osimhen.

Lookman could be veryimportant because of his ability to carry the ball, cut inside and create chances, while Chukwueze can provide width and take on Madagascar’s defenders one-on-one.

Adams and Arokodare offer different options through the middle, while Awoniyi could give the Super Eagles a more physical presence in the box.

The biggest question will be whether Nigeria can create enough chances without depending on one player to finish everything.

Madagascar are expected to defend in numbers at times, meaning Nigeria may need patience and quick movement around the visitors’ defensive block. The Super Eagles will also have to make good use of their wide players and avoid becoming too predictable.

If Nigeria can move the ball quickly and get Lookman, Chukwueze and the other attackers into dangerous positions, they could put the Barea defence under serious pressure.

Madagascar’s attack vs Nigeria’s defence

While much of the pre-match focus has been on Nigeria’s attack, Chelle’s defenders will also have an important job to do.

Madagascar have attacking options such as Hakim Abdallah, Warren Caddy and Arnaud Randrianantenaina and Nigeria cannot afford to assume that the visitors will simply sit back for the entire game.

The Super Eagles will likely have more possession, but that could leave spaces behind their full-backs when they push forward. Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi, or whoever Chelle selects in the full-back positions, will therefore need to balance their attacking duties with their defensive responsibilities.

Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and the other defenders will also have to remain alert to Madagascar’s counter-attacks. A quick pass into the space behind Nigeria’s defence could create problems if the Super Eagles lose possession in advanced areas.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali could also have an important role to play, particularly if Madagascar manage to create chances from quick transitions or set pieces.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to set early pace with a win and enter their next clash against Guinea-Bissau full of confidence.