Eric Chelle could spring a tactical surprise when Nigeria’s Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the opening two qualifiers with a muscle injury suffered while playing for Galatasaray, forcing Chelle to rethink his attack. Taiwo Awoniyi has since joined the squad as his replacement.
Rather than simply replacing Osimhen with another lone striker, Chelle could use a 4-4-2 diamond, pairing two forwards and giving Alex Iwobi a central creative role.
Super Eagles predicted XI vs Madagascar
Nwabali gets the nod
Stanley Nwabali is predicted to return between the posts after being recalled for the qualifiers alongside Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo.
Okonkwo is competing for his third senior cap after making his Nigeria debut at the Unity Cup, but Nwabali’s previous experience with the Super Eagles gives him the edge in this prediction.
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Aina, Ajayi and Bassey anchor defence
Ola Aina starts at right-back, with Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey forming the central defensive partnership.
Bruno Onyemaechi gets the left-back position, offering pace and an attacking outlet when Nigeria push forward.
The back four would give Chelle a blend of experience and mobility against a Madagascar side that reached last year’s CHAN final.
Ndidi and Onyeka protect the diamond
Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are expected to provide the engine room.
Ndidi can sit deepest when Nigeria build from the back, while Onyeka’s energy should allow him to press higher and cover the spaces created when the full-backs advance.
That platform would allow Iwobi to concentrate on creating chances rather than constantly dropping deep.
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Iwobi becomes the creative heartbeat
Iwobi is predicted to operate at the tip of the diamond, giving Nigeria a player between Madagascar’s midfield and defence.
His movement could be crucial because the 4-4-2 diamond sacrifices natural width in midfield.
Lookman, meanwhile, becomes the attacking outlet from the left side of the diamond’s forward line, with his ability to carry the ball and move into dangerous areas offering another route towards goal.
Awoniyi and Adams lead the attack
The most significant change comes up front. Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams are likely to form the front two, giving Nigeria a physical partnership with pace and movement.
Awoniyi can play as the more traditional focal point, while Adams can attack spaces around him and stretch the Madagascar defence.
Adams is already part of Chelle’s most trusted core of the Super Eagles squad, as he played a crucial role during Nigeria’s run to the semifinals of the 2025 AFCON earlier in the year.
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Predicted Nigeria XI vs Madagascar
Stanley Nwabali
Ola Aina – Semi Ajayi – Calvin Bassey – Bruno Onyemaechi
Wilfred Ndidi – Frank Onyeka
Alex Iwobi
Ademola Lookman
Taiwo Awoniyi – Akor Adams
The official XI will be announced moments before Nigeria face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, September 25, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
