Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has urged Nigeria to adopt a winning mentality in every match as the three-time African champions begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, insisting there is no room for complacency against Madagascar.
Nigeria will open their Group L campaign against Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, with the team looking to make a strong start after missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Speaking to reporters at a media session in Uyo, Onyeka said the Super Eagles must approach every qualifier with the mindset of securing maximum points.
“We have to win every game” – Onyeka
The Brentford midfielder acknowledged the disappointment of Nigeria’s failed World Cup qualification campaign but said the team is fully focused on returning to winning ways as they chase a place at the 2027 AFCON.
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“Just like every other match that we’ll be playing, we have to win every game,” Onyeka said.
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“I know we’re quite disappointed not to qualify for the World Cup, but now we’re back. We have something to prepare for, which is the AFCON next year.”
His comments echo growing calls for the Super Eagles to avoid the slow starts and costly dropped points that undermined their World Cup qualifying hopes.
Despite Nigeria’s superior pedigree in African football, Onyeka insisted the players will not take Madagascar lightly.
The midfielder said the team’s focus will remain on delivering a strong performance rather than being distracted by the reputation of their opponents.
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“We’ll take every game as it comes, but for us, we want to win this game, especially when we’re playing on our own ground,” he said.
“We don’t underestimate anything. We focus only on ourselves. We don’t focus on the opponent. We have to play well to win. That’s what we’re focusing on: to play well and win.”
Super Eagles Seek Strong Start in Group L
The Madagascar clash marks the beginning of a crucial qualification campaign for Nigeria, who will travel to Guinea-Bissau just four days later for their second Group L fixture.
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The group also includes Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda, making every available qualification point particularly valuable.
With expectations high following the team’s World Cup disappointment, Friday’s fixture offers the Super Eagles an opportunity to rebuild confidence and set the tone for the rest of the qualifying campaign.
