AFCON qualifier: Fans back Super Eagles for victory against Madagascar

Nigerian fans are optimistic about the Super Eagles' chances of victory against Madagascar in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. According to Daily Post Nigeria, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo stated that the team is focused on securing maximum points, with winning being more important than keeping a clean sheet.

The Super Eagles have had a mixed recent form, conceding four goals in their last two friendlies against Poland and Portugal, as reported by Daily Post Nigeria. Okonkwo, who will be looking to make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles, emphasized that the team's primary goal is to defeat Madagascar and secure a good position in their group.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who has returned to Nigeria's squad after an extended period away, took a swipe at his critics on social media, posting a video of his penalty saves against Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush during the 2025 AFCON. Punch Nigeria reported that Nwabali's fortunes changed after the tournament, with his club situation becoming uncertain and eventually costing him his place in the Super Eagles.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria, Daily Post Nigeria, 3News, The Standard Kenya, Punch — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.