Super Eagles vs Madagascar: 4 Nigerian stars set to hit new career milestones

The Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, and they will be looking claim the maximum three points, Afrik-Foot reports.

But as they target the three points, there are some Nigeria stars who are approaching notable milestones with Nigeria.

Asides from the importance of starting the qualifiers with a victory, the clash in Uyo could also give four established internationals another memorable moment in their Super Eagles careers.

Here, we write on four Super Eagles players who could reach notable milestones against the Barea of Madagascar today.

Moses Simon – 100 Super Eagles caps

Moses Simon is on the verge of joining Nigeria’s exclusive 100-cap club.

The Paris FC winger has been confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation as having made 99 appearances for the Super Eagles. If he features against Madagascar, he will become only the fifth Nigerian to reach the century mark.

Simon made his senior debut against Uganda in March 2015 and has remained a regular across several generations of the national team.

Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Alex Iwobi are the other Nigerians who have reached 100 appearances.

The 29-year-old has also scored 12 international goals, but Friday is primarily about adding another appearance to his impressive international record.

Alex Iwobi – 101 caps

Alex Iwobi is another player who could add to Nigeria’s appearance record.

The Fulham midfielder has already crossed the 100-cap mark and is set to make his 101st appearance if selected against Madagascar.

That would put him alongside the likes of Enyeama and Yobo in Nigeria’s 100-plus appearance bracket.

Iwobi’s longevity is particularly notable considering he made his Super Eagles debut in October 2015. He has since featured at major tournaments and become one of the senior figures in Eric Chelle’s squad.

His continued involvement also means he is steadily climbing Nigeria’s all-time appearance chart. He is definitely on course to become the most-capped Nigerian player.

Wilfred Ndidi – 80 caps

Wilfred Ndidi is also approaching a major landmark. The Super Eagles captain has 79 international appearances, meaning a place in Chelle’s starting XI or an appearance from the bench against Madagascar would take him to 80.

Ndidi has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent midfielders since making his senior debut in 2015.

His importance to the national team has continued despite changes in coaches and midfield partners, and reaching 80 caps would be another significant marker in his decade-long international career.

With Ndidi now wearing the captain’s armband, the milestone would carry added significance.

Ademola Lookman – 12th Nigeria goal

Ademola Lookman brings a different kind of milestone into Friday’s fixture. The Atlético Madrid forward has scored 11 goals for Nigeria, meaning one more against Madagascar would take him to 12.

That would move Lookman into the group of Nigerian internationals with 12 goals, alongside names such as Moses Simon, Obinna Nsofor, and Victor Moses.

For Lookman who just made his debut four years ago, it shows you the kind of impact that the Atletico Madrid man has had for Nigeria.