Ikpeme Charges Eagles to Beat Madagascar in Uyo

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has charged the Super Eagles to secure maximum points against Madagascar in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Ikpeme said the NFF expects the Super Eagles to build on their strong record in Uyo and begin their qualifying campaign with victory.

‘We are back to the familiar surroundings of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for another qualifying race. It was here in Uyo that the Super Eagles won the tickets to the 2019 and 2025 AFCON finals,’ Ikpeme said.

‘The NFF has absolute confidence in the team to run another good race and win the ticket with matches to spare.’

He stressed that Nigeria must first secure victory against Madagascar before turning attention to Tuesday’s away fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

‘Surely, the only way we can do that is to start with the maximum three points tomorrow, and then with another three points in Bissau on Tuesday.

‘However, since we are taking it one match at a time, the focus now is on Madagascar on Friday. Nigerians are looking forward to victory tomorrow and I know the Super Eagles will give them joy.’

Ikpeme also assured that the NFF, with the support of the National Sports Commission, had concluded arrangements for a hitch-free encounter and the team’s seamless travel to Guinea-Bissau and return to Nigeria after Tuesday’s Day 2 fixture against the Wild Dogs.

Uyo has previously proved a successful base for Nigeria in AFCON qualifying campaigns.

The Super Eagles secured qualification for the 2019 AFCON in Egypt after home fixtures against South Africa, Libya and Lesotho, while they also booked their place at the 2025 tournament in Morocco after negotiating a group that included Libya, Rwanda and Benin Republic.

Friday’s encounter with Madagascar is scheduled to kick off at 5pm.