Nigeria goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has revealed that securing victory will be Nigeria’s main priority when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday.

Okonkwo, who has kept clean sheets in his first two appearances for Nigeria, said the team’s focus must remain on collecting maximum points rather than becoming overly concerned about maintaining a shutout.

The Charlton Athletic goalkeeper added that while a clean sheet would be welcome, the bigger objective is to defeat Madagascar and put Nigeria in a strong position in the group.

“The most important thing is us winning, more than the clean sheet,” Okonkwo told TVC News. 

“Of course it would be nice to have a clean sheet as well,” he said. 

Okonkwo has made two appearances for the Super Eagles so far, keeping clean sheets against Zimbabwe and Jamaica in friendly internationals.

The Madagascar fixture could provide him with an opportunity to make his first competitive appearance for Nigeria, having been included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the September international window.

The goalkeeper said he remains patient as he waits for his opportunity, stressing that he must be ready to take his chance whenever it arrives.

“I’m just waiting for an opportunity and when that opportunity comes, I have to take it,” Okonkwo said. 

Okonkwo was among the players involved in Nigeria’s preparations in Uyo as Chelle’s squad stepped up preparations for the opening qualifier.

He also described the early training session as relatively light, with the intensity expected to increase as the team moved closer to Friday’s encounter.

“Today (Tuesday) was a lighter session because we all had our first day today, but things will ramp up from Wednesday,” he said. 

The goalkeeper said the players are concentrating on the task ahead and preparing specifically for the Madagascar encounter.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The September fixtures are the first AFCON 2027 qualifying assignments for Chelle since taking charge of the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will be hoping to make home advantage count against Madagascar before turning attention to the away fixture in Bissau.