Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has said Nigeria will not repeat the mistakes that cost the team a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder stressed the importance of making a strong start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Nigeria endured a disappointing World Cup qualifying series. The Super Eagles failed to win any of their opening four matches, recording three draws and one defeat.
Ndidi said the players have learned from that experience and are fully focused on avoiding a similar setback.
“It will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum because the first game is the most important game in every competition,” Ndidi told reporters in Uyo.
The Leicester City star believes a positive result in the opening fixture will boost the team’s confidence for the rest of the campaign.
“This is qualifiers, but the first game sets the momentum. So it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming. We’re ready for it and everyone is focused for it,” he added.
The Super Eagles will begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Head coach Éric Chelle will hope his side can secure all three points and lay a strong foundation for the rest of the qualifying series.
Nigeria will also face Guinea-Bissau in Group L as they seek a place at the tournament, which Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will co-host.
