Top shots of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are counting on ‘familiar surroundings’ in Uyo and at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for the Super Eagles to defeat Madagascar in their first match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Sports247 reports.
Although many critics have dubbed the stadium in Uyo ‘a jinxed arena,’ following several damaging draws the Super Eagles got there during their ill-fated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixtures, NFF officials believe the city is very conducive for the team’s aspirations.
This was disclosed by the NFF’s acting general secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who recalled that the Eagles also played at the same arena fondly called ‘Nest of Champions’ in the course of their successful qualifications to the 2019 and 2025 editions of the same competition.
While charging the players to go all out for victory during Friday’s game, Ikpeme reasoned that the Eagles should take comfort from memories of the team’s past victories at the same venue in the Akwa Ibom State capital, whose environment he believes is key for Nigeria’s victories.
“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.
“The NFF has absolute confidence in the team to run another good race and win the ticket with matches to spare. Surely, the only way we can do that is to start with the maximum three points, 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 and I know the Super Eagles will give them joy,” Ikpeme assured.
Sports247 gathered further that the NFF has also concluded arrangements to honour France-bided winger, Moses Simon, who will get his 100th cap for the Super Eagles if he is featured in Friday’s match against Madagascar and, having debuted on March 25th, 2015, has 12 goals to his name in 99 appearances.
A statement from the NFF’s communications department noted, “A diligent, dedicated and resilient servant of the beautiful game, Moses Simon has been involved in 64 competitive matches for Nigeria, as well as 35 friendly games.
“He has featured in a total of 23 matches for Nigeria at the AFCON finals, and played in 22 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. One of his first matches was the 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifying fixture against Swaziland in Port Harcourt. Simon scored direct from a 22-yard free-kick in a 2-0 win.”
 are counting on 'familiar surroundings' in Uyo and at Godswill Akpabio International){kind=link}