Wilfred Ndidi, Super Eagles captain, speaking at a press conference in a bright green Nigeria training jersey ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar
Wilfred Ndidi during an interview ahead of the 2027 AFCON


Wilfred Ndidi will lead Nigeria’s Super Eagles as captain when they open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, 25 September 2026.

The Leicester City midfielder partners Alex Iwobi in the middle of the park as Nigeria begin Group L fixtures that also include Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania.

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal behind a back four of Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi. In attack, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman provide width and creativity, with Akor Adams and debutant George Ilenikhena leading the line. 

Ilenikhena, the Al-Ittihad forward, earns his first senior cap in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen. The confirmed starting eleven reflects Chelle’s selection after pre-match preparations in Akwa Ibom, with the side looking to build early momentum in the qualifiers.

The fixture marks Nigeria’s first competitive outing since finishing third at the 2025 AFCON. Madagascar arrive having previously beaten the Super Eagles 2-0 at the 2019 tournament, though Nigeria hold the stronger record in earlier qualifying meetings between the sides.