Super Eagles defender Ola Aina has made Nigeria’s objective clear ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar: take all three points in Uyo and establish a strong platform for the rest of the campaign.
The Nottingham Forest full back is back in the national team after a lengthy injury absence and is expected to bring experience to Eric Chelle’s side as Nigeria begin their Group L campaign at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
For Aina, there is little value in looking too far ahead before completing the first assignment.
“The three points are the most important thing,” Aina said ahead of the encounter, stressing that victory would put the Super Eagles in a stronger position as they pursue qualification.
Nigeria will follow the Madagascar clash with an away fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, making a winning start at home particularly valuable before the team leaves Uyo.
Aina believes the players understand exactly what is required after completing their preparations for the opening game.
“It’s back to business. We know what we have to do,” he said.
The defender’s return provides a boost for Chelle after he missed Nigeria’s previous AFCON campaign through injury. Aina has also been impressed by the competition created by new additions to the squad, with George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor and Isaac James receiving their first senior invitations.
“There are some new faces and a lot of quality,” Aina said, adding that every player selected has earned the opportunity to represent Nigeria.
Madagascar, however, arrive knowing they have previously troubled the Super Eagles, famously defeating Nigeria 2-0 during the group stage of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
That history gives Aina and his teammates another reason to avoid complacency.
After the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria now have another qualification journey in front of them. For Aina, the formula for avoiding another difficult campaign begins with something simple in Uyo: win the first game, collect the three points and build from there.
