Coventry City midfielder Frank Onyeka has stressed the importance of winning every game as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Super Eagles have already begun preparations, with Onyeka among the players involved in training under head coach Éric Chelle.
Onyeka acknowledged the disappointment surrounding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insisted the team has quickly shifted its attention towards the next challenge.
The midfielder said the Super Eagles have to approach every fixture with the objective of securing victory.
“Just like every other match that we'll be playing, we have to win every game. 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," he told Ademola Victor TV.
The midfielder also highlighted the importance of Nigeria making full use of home advantage when they face Madagascar in Uyo.
He stressed that the Super Eagles would not underestimate their opponents, while making it clear that the focus within the squad is on producing a strong performance.
“So, I guess 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. We don't underestimate anything.
“We focus only on ourselves. We don't focus on the opponent. So, we have to play well to win. That's what we are focusing on: to play well and win.”
Onyeka is part of Chelle’s 24-man squad for the opening qualifiers, alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Raphael Onyedika in midfield.
Wale Adejumo
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