Nigeria’s Super Eagles open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign this week with a double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L.
The Eric Chelle-led side host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25 September 2026, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September.
Over the years, the Super Eagles have crossed paths with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in the race for AFCON qualification tickets.
As the Super Eagles faithful look forward to the upcoming fixtures, completesports.com’s JAMES AGBEREBI compiles SIX interesting facts to know about the team’s past encounters with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in AFCON qualifiers.
Super Eagles’ First-Ever Meeting With Madagascar Was In An AFCON Qualifier
The Super Eagles’ first-ever meeting with Madagascar was in Group A, first leg of the qualifiers for the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Antananarivo in October 2000.
After 90 minutes of the matchday 2 encounter, the Super Eagles and Madagascar settled for a 0-0 draw.
In the return leg in Benin City, the Super Eagles won 1-0, thanks to Benedict Akwuegbu’s fourth-minute goal.
The Super Eagles, alongside Zambia, qualified for the 2002 AFCON, while Madagascar and Namibia missed out.
Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Lookman Declares Super Eagles Ready For Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau
Super Eagles Have Never Lost To Madagascar In AFCON Qualifiers
In four previous AFCON qualifying meetings with Madagascar, the Super Eagles are yet to taste defeat.
The first-leg group-stage tie ended 0-0 away before the Super Eagles secured a 1-0 home win in the reverse fixture.
Both teams were drawn in the same group for the AFCON 2012 qualifiers, with the Super Eagles securing 2-0 wins in the home and away matches.
Super Eagles Have Never Conceded A Single Goal Against Madagascar In AFCON Qualifiers
Madagascar will hope to register their first goal against the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifiers when the two sides clash in Uyo on 25 September.
In the previous four encounters, the Super Eagles have netted five times without letting their net be breached by the Barea.
Will the Super Eagles maintain their impressive clean sheet against Madagascar when both teams face off in Uyo? That will be decided after 90 minutes.
Super Eagles Have Won Their Last Three AFCON Qualifying Meetings With Madagascar
The Super Eagles have recorded three straight wins in their last three AFCON qualifying contests with Madagascar.
After their first-ever encounter finished 0-0, the Super Eagles put together a run of three straight victories against the island country.
Also Read: AFCON 2027Q: Madagascar Name Squad For Super Eagles Showdown
Guinea-Bissau Lost Their First-Ever AFCON Qualifying Home Game Against Super Eagles
Guinea-Bissau will hope to be second time lucky when they host the Super Eagles on matchday 2 of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers on 29 September.
The first time Guinea-Bissau hosted the Super Eagles in an AFCON qualifier was on matchday 4, second leg, during the race for the ticket to the 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles won the game 1-0, thanks to a Moses Simon 30th-minute penalty.
Guinea-Bissau Won Their First-Ever Clash With Super Eagles In AFCON Qualifiers
The first time the Super Eagles and Guinea-Bissau met in the AFCON qualifiers was in the group-stage first leg for the 2023 tournament.
The matchday 3 tie, which was played inside the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, saw Guinea-Bissau secure a shock 1-0 win, thanks to a 29th-minute goal by Mama Baldé.
