{
  "id": 9783267,
  "title": "AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles ready for Madagascar test — Chelle",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-ready-for-madagascar-test-chelle",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T15:42:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-ready-for-madagascar-test-chelle/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has acknowledged the pressure that comes with leading Nigeria's national team, emphasizing that his players must stay mentally focused as they commence their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Nigeria will host Madagascar in the Group L opener at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with the Super Eagles aiming to begin the tournament on a high note. During a pre-match press conference, Chelle expressed the team's readiness to embrace the challenges that accompany the role, stating that they do not shy away from the expectations but instead tackle them head-on. He also highlighted the significance of avoiding a sluggish start, recalling Nigeria's struggles at the beginning of the previous World Cup qualifying campaign.\n\nChelle pointed out that the team has learned from their past experiences, noting that they will not repeat the poor performance they displayed at the start of the last World Cup qualifying campaign. The coach expressed confidence in the squad's abilities, describing the Super Eagles as one of Africa's top teams and emphasizing that they are a strong contender in the competition. He further praised the players' mental state, asserting that their mindset would be a crucial factor in determining their performance.\n\nThe coach warned against underestimating Madagascar, citing Madagascar's 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. He cautioned that the match would be challenging due to Madagascar's status as a formidable team. Despite the recent injuries to some of his players, Chelle maintained that Nigeria had adequate alternatives to address the absences. He reinforced that the team was prepared to play the game, regardless of the challenges they face.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle says the team is mentally prepared for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. Read More: https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-ready-for-madagascar-test-chelle/",
  "key_points": [
    "Eric Chelle acknowledges pressure of leading Nigeria's national team.",
    "Super Eagles set to host Madagascar in Group L opener on Friday.",
    "Coach confident in squad's abilities, warns against underestimating Madagascar."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "AFCON Qualifiers: Super Eagles ready for Madagascar test — Chelle",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-ready-for-madagascar-test-chelle-9786860",
        "published": "2026-09-25T16:10:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}