Head Coach Éric Chelle has called on the Super Eagles to ignite their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with unwavering intensity, targeting maximum points from their opening fixtures to avoid a high-stakes scramble late in the group stage.

Nigeria kick off their qualification journey on Friday against Madagascar's Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau's Wild Dogs at the 24 September Stadium on Tuesday, September 29.

Determined to prevent the late qualification anxiety that disrupted Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying efforts, Chelle emphasized that intent must be established from the opening whistle.

"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. We must go for the points without any hesitation," Chelle stated.

The squad welcomes back defensive stalwarts Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredricks, alongside striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who steps into the attack following the forced absence of Victor Osimhen.

Chelle faces an enviable selection dilemma across every zone:

In Goal: Maduka Okoye and Stanley Nwabali are both fit and competing for the starting spot.

In Defense: Options include Aina, Fredricks, Bruno Onyemaechi, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Turkey-based Chibuike Nwaiwu.

In Attack: High-flying forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, and newcomer George Ilenikhena provide immense firepower.

Friday's fixture revives a notable rivalry between the two nations:

September 2010: Nigeria opened AFCON qualifying with a 2–0 victory over Madagascar in Calabar, followed by another 2–0 win in Antananarivo a year later.

June 2019: Madagascar pulled off a famous 2–0 upset over the Super Eagles during the AFCON group stage in Alexandria, Egypt.

Madagascar arrived in Uyo three days ahead of kickoff, signalling their readiness for the battle ahead.