Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle has charged his players to go for the points without hesitation as Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle wants the three-time African champions to show their intentions from the opening day, insisting they cannot afford to approach the qualifiers cautiously.
“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.Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday (today) before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture on September 29.
Madagascar will provide the first test, with Nigeria holding the advantage in their previous five meetings. The Super Eagles have won three times, while the Barea have one victory, with the other encounter ending in a draw.
However, Madagascar recorded their only win in the fixture when they defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
That result serves as a reminder of the challenge facing Chelle’s side, but the Frenchman wants his players focused on the present as they begin their latest qualification campaign.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria will need to finish above the other teams in Group L to secure qualification.
Chelle will therefore expect the Super Eagles to take the initiative against Madagascar and make the strong start he has demanded before turning their attention to Guinea-Bissau.
“We must go for the points without any hesitation,” Chelle told the NFF’s official website.
