Nigeria return to international football after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers getting underway across the continent.
The Super Eagles finished third at the last edition in Morocco after defeating Egypt on penalties.
They will now be hoping to go further when the next tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
However, the three-time African kings must first secure qualification by overcoming the challenges posed by Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their opening qualifying matches.
When is Nigeria versus Madagascar and Guinea Bissau?
Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel to face Guinea-Bissau at Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro.
Chelle’s side will be targeting positive results from both fixtures as they look to finish top of Group L.
Tanzania are also in the group but have already secured their place at the tournament as one of the co-hosts.
How can I watch Nigeria's matches?
Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar will kick off at 5:00pm WAT and is scheduled to be televised on beIN Sports and Canal+, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The fixture is also expected to be broadcast live on SuperSport and AfroSports TV.
The Super Eagles will be seeking to avoid another setback as the Barea stunned the West Africans 2-0 in their final group game at the 2019 AFCON in Alexandria.
Lalaina Nomenjanahary opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Carolus Andriamatsinoro doubled Madagascar’s advantage after the break.
Nigeria’s second qualifier against Guinea-Bissau will also kick off at 5:00pm WAT.
The teams last met at the 2023 AFCON, when Opa Sangante’s own goal handed Nigeria a 1-0 victory in Abidjan.
The match is expected to be broadcast on beIN Sports, Canal+ and AfroSports TV.
Nigeria team news
Eric Chelle named a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon headline the squad for the two fixtures, which will be played within four days.
Stanley Nwabali returned to the squad and will compete with Udinese’s Maduka Okoye and in-form Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
England-based defenders Olaoluwa Aina, Benjamin Fredricks, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel were also selected.
Portugal-based defender Isaac James received his first Super Eagles call-up, alongside George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
Ndidi and Iwobi are joined in midfield by Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, while Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare provide attacking options.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was initially included but was ruled out due to groin injury.
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England)
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England)
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands); George Ilenikhena (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria)