Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has charged the Super Eagles to start their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on the front foot ahead of their opening game against Madagascar.

The three-time African champions will host the Indian Ocean islanders at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau in their second game four days later.

Speaking ahead of both encounters, Chelle has urged his team to send a strong signal right from their opening game.

“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 theff.com.

The Super Eagles boast a superior head-to-head record against Madagascar. In the five meetings between both sides, the Super Eagles have won three times, compared with one victory for the Barea, while only one encounter has ended in a draw.

WDN