{
  "id": 9786860,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T16:10:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-super-eagles-ready-for-madagascar-test-chelle/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emphasized the importance of mental preparation as Nigeria's national team embarks on their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The team will face Madagascar in their opening Group L qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday. Chelle stressed that while the team acknowledges the pressure associated with managing Nigeria's national side, they are focused on dealing with it effectively. He reminded the media of the struggles Nigeria faced at the start of the previous World Cup qualifying campaign, which they vowed would not happen again. Chelle also expressed confidence in his squad, describing it as one of the leading teams in Africa. He expects his players to maintain a strong mindset and not underestimate Madagascar, citing their 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON. Chelle confirmed that injuries have affected the squad, but maintained that Nigeria has sufficient options to cope with the absences.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-25T15:42:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}