The Super Eagles of Nigeria will set the ball rolling in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later today (Friday, September 25) when they host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Eric Chelle's side will be looking to put the disappointment of missing out on two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments behind them as they return to competitive action in the AFCON qualifiers.

The game is scheduled to kick-off at 5:00 pm local time.

In this piece, MyNigeria Sports will look at how head coach Eric Chelle could set up his team against the Indian Ocean islander.

Goalkeeper

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali will undoubtedly get the nod in post ahead of Charlton Athletics' Arthur Okonkwo. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is the only invited player who is yet to report to camp at the time of filing this report, which makes Nwabali the undisputed starter in this game.

Defenders

Fulham captain Calvin Bassey and the experience Hull City centre back Semi Ajayi are expected to start at the heart of defense ahead of the likes of Benjamin Fredrick and Emmanuel Fernandez.

Ola Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are the preferred options to start at full backs for Eric Chelle. Aina will start at right back with Onyemaechi completing the back line at the left back position.

Midfielders

Eric Chelle is expected to line up with a more fluid midfield rather than a flat four. Skipper Wilfred Ndidi is expected to anchor the base of midfield, with Frank Onyeka pushed into a more advanced role alongside him. Alex Iwobi is tipped to operate in a central, creative position just behind the front two, rather than out wide.

Attackers

With Victor Osimhen out of the team, Taiwo Awoniyi is the most experienced attacker in the squad and is expected to start alongside Akor Adams, who was paired upfront with the Galatasaray striker during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Ademola Lookman is tipped to play just off the front two rather than as a wide midfielder.

Probable XI: Nwabali, Bassey, Ajayi, Aina, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Awoniyi and Adams.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

WDN