The September international break is fast approaching, and Super Eagles fans can't wait to see their favourite players come together for the first time since the 2-1 defeat to Portugal in June.
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Subscribe FreeAs Nigerian football lovers eagerly await Eric Chelle's squad list and the players' arrival in camp, here is everything you need to know about the upcoming fixtures and their importance.
NigeriavsMadagascar
Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
Kick-off: 4 PM WAT
The Super Eagles, ranked 26th in the world, will begin the upcoming international break with an AFCON 2027 qualifying match against the Barea of Madagascar on Friday, September 25.
Scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the clash is the first game in the 2027 qualifying series, and Nigeria will hope to defeat the 104th-placed nation in the FIFA rankings.
Considering their recent form, quality, and past head-to-head record, the Super Eagles are tipped to take maximum points and begin their qualification campaign on a positive note.
Both countries have met twice in AFCON qualifying campaigns, with Nigeria winning both games in the qualifiers for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria must win in front of their supporters and reduce the pressure ahead of the trip to Guinea-Bissau some days later.
Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Venue: Morocco
Kick-off: 1 PM WAT
Nigeria will travel to Morocco to face Guinea-Bissau four days after battling Madagascar.
After losing to the Djurtus in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifying series, Eric Chelle's side will head into the game hoping to avenge that surprising defeat two years ago.
While Guinea-Bissau are a better side than Madagascar, the Super Eagles shouldn't struggle against Emiliano Té's side, who will be playing in Morocco, their adopted home.
WhySeptemberIsSoImportantforNigeria
The September fixtures are crucial to Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. Winning both games would give the team confidence and put them in a good position ahead of the remaining qualifying matches.
Having failed to qualify for the last World Cup, Eric Chelle will expect maximum concentration and commitment from his players to avoid unwanted results.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau.
InvitedPlayers
Though coach Eric Chelle hasn't released the official squad list, some clubs have publicly announced the invitation of their players.
Charlton Athletic recently disclosed Arthur Okonkwo's invitation for the September international break via their X handle.
Similarly, reports making headlines in the local media claim that Saudi-based striker George Ilenikhena is set for his debut call-up.
However, Victor Osimhen, Zadok Yohanna, Nathan Tella, and Paul Onuachu are reportedly ruled out through injury.
WhatShouldFansExpect?
If the FIFA ranking and the team's recent results and performance under Chelle are the yardstick, Nigerians should expect entertaining, attacking football from the team. They should also expect the three-time African champions to pick up maximum points after matchday two.
However, Nigeria can't afford to be complacent, because nothing is guaranteed until the final whistle.
Italoye Ibukun
