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| Eric Chelle answers questions during AFCON 2027 against Madagascar |
Nigeria’s head coach Éric Chelle and captain Wilfred Ndidi addressed reporters on Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar.
Speaking on public expectations ahead of the Group L encounter, Chelle remarked, “We don't manage the pressure, we try to deal with the pressure—this is our job.” The Franco-Malian tactician expressed firm confidence in the squad’s capability, asserting, “For me, of course, this is the best team in Africa,” while urging his players to display high intensity on the pitch.
The Super Eagles enter the campaign seeking early dominance in a four-team pool alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and co-hosts Tanzania. Squad depth faces an immediate test due to crucial absences, including star striker Victor Osimhen.
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| Captain Ndidi and Eric Chelle during an interview ahead of the 2027 AFCON friendly |
Addressing the squad’s condition and the opponent, Chelle stated, “We have a lot of injuries... but we are ready to play that game for sure,” while cautioning that “Madagascar is not a little team, this is a big team.” Additionally, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye arrived late after his club requested he participate in an event prior to departure.
Reflecting on past qualification campaign struggles, captain Wilfred Ndidi emphasized the importance of securing an immediate home victory to set the tone for the campaign. “We know the experiences of the last World Cup, how we started was really poor, really bad, and it will never happen again,” Ndidi declared, adding that “the first game sets the momentum.”
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