Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina has stressed that the Super Eagles cannot afford to underestimate Madagascar, insisting that there are no easy games at international level.
The Super Eagles will take on the island nation on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Aina put an end to speculation over his international future by being among the first players to report to the Super Eagles' camp in Uyo.
Since starting the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa's Bafana Bafana, in which he suffered a serious injury that ruled him out for the majority of the first half of last season, Aina has missed 18 consecutive matches involving the three-time African champions.
Now back in the squad, Aina has warned his Super Eagles teammates to expect a difficult encounter against Madagascar.
Asked what Nigerians should expect from the opening game, Aina told Channels Television: "t's good spirit everywhere, it's very well right now. I expect it to be like any other game we play. When we come to Afcon qualifiers, it will be tough, it will be hard.
"No team is easy, so it will be a good test for us. Nigerians should expect a good game. We expect ourselves to play well and we're working towards the three points."
If Aina is handed minutes against Madagascar, it would mark his fourteenth appearance for the Super Eagles in Afcon qualifying.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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