It is said that looking back helps you look ahead, as the Super Eagles prepare to face Madagascar in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier opener, it is imperative to look back at what unfolded the last time the two sides met.

Nigeria last faced the Indian Ocean islanders in their last group game of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, in a game that produced one of the great shocks of the AFCON tournament.

Led by former coach Gernot Rohr, the three-time African champions were stunned two goals to nil by Madagascar, who came into the tournament as debutants.

Nigeria had already secured qualification to the knockout stage after wins over Burundi and Guinea in their two opening games and needed only a draw to top Group B.

Madagascar, on the other hand, had already caused a stir by drawing with Guinea and beating Burundi, and only needed a draw themselves to reach the knockouts for the first time in their history.

Lalaina Nomenjanahary opened the scoring in the 13th minute after William Troost-Ekong played a poor, dangerous pass across his own box that was picked off following a mix-up involving Leon Balogun.

Carolus Andriamahitsinoro doubled the lead in the 53rd minute with a stunning free kick that took a heavy deflection off substitute Wilfred Ndidi in the defensive wall, wrong-footing goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Nigeria finished second with six points as Madagascar leapfrogged the 2013 champions, topping Group B with seven points in what was their first ever appearance at the AFCON.

Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina remains the only player who started that last game against Madagascar and is expected to start today's encounter.

The likes of Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Moses Simon all came off the bench in that encounter.

Check out some highlights of the game below, courtesy of @oluwashina on X:

#Nigeria face #Madagascar in a AFCON2027Q in Uyo on 25 September. The last fixture between both nations saw the Indian Ocean islanders pull off one of the great shocks of the AFCON tournament when they upset the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 event in Egypt to finish top of Group B… pic.twitter.com/0LWYmBaGGd

— Olúwashínà Òkélèjì (@oluwashina) September 21, 2026