Nigeria vs Madagascar AFCON Qualifier Preview
Nigeria will be targeting a positive start to their AFCON qualifying campaign when they host Madagascar in their opening Group L match.
The Super Eagles have looked generally solid lately and should get the better of the visitors, who are not at their best at the moment.
Key Stats
- Nigeria are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Nigeria have won to nil in two of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Nigeria have kept clean sheets in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Madagascar are winless in their last two matches.
Nigeria Always Superior
Nigeria have two wins while Madagascar have been victorious once in three previous matches. The most recent meeting was in the group stage of the 2019 AFCON, with Barea claiming a 2-0 victory.
Nigeria Targeting a Positive Start
Nigeria come into this campaign looking to make amends after missing out on the FIFA World Cup in North America. The three-time African champions are regulars at the AFCON and will be keen to reach next year's tournament.
The last outing for Nigeria was a friendly in June as they were beaten 2-1 by Portugal, with Akor Adams getting their only goal. However, that was a rare defeat for the Super Eagles, who are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Nigeria have shown some defensive solidity lately, keeping clean sheets in six of their last 10 matches in all competitions. Eric Chelle’s team have also won to nil in two of the last four fixtures in this run.
Madagascar Seeking an Upset
Madagascar’s only AFCON appearance was at the 2019 edition, where they beat Nigeria in the group stage. They have struggled to reach those heights in recent years, falling short in the last three tournaments.
The task for Madagascar heading into this campaign is to earn another AFCON appearance. They will take some confidence from their overall form lately, having gone unbeaten in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
While there are a few positive moments for Madagascar lately, they have failed to win their last two matches. Corentin Martins’ team also tend to struggle against the top sides, evidenced by the 4-1 defeat to Morocco in their previous fixture back in June.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Nigeria (4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Wilfried Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman; Tolu Arokodare. Akor Adams.
Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who picked up an injury just before the international break. Tolu Arokodare is likely to partner Adams in attack while Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi should feature at centre-back.
Madagascar (3-5-2): Geordan Dupire; Ehsan Kari, Thomas Fontaine, Sandro Tremoulet; Radoniaina Rabemanantsoa, Clement Couturier, Johan N’Zi, Rayan Raveloson, Morgan Jean-Pierre; Hakim Abdallah, Bryan Adinany.
Hakim Abdallah and Bryan Adinany should partner in attack for Madagascar, while Rayan Raveloson is set to feature in midfield. Thomas Fontaine is expected to line up in defence alongside Sandro Tremoulet.