PAMOJA 2027 race: Ikpeme boosts Eagles spirit ahead of clash with Barea

The Acting General Secretary of the Nigerian Football Federation, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, has tasked the Super Eagles to pull out all the stops and secure victory for Nigerians in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

“We are back to the familiar surroundings of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State for another qualifying race. It was here in Uyo that the Super Eagles won the tickets to the 2019 and 2025 AFCON finals. The NFF has absolute confidence in the team to run another good race and earn the ticket with matches to spare.

“Surely the only way to do it is to start with the maximum three points tomorrow, and then with another three points in Bissau on Tuesday. However, as we are going to play match by match, the focus is now on Madagascar on Friday. The Nigerians are looking forward to victory tomorrow and I know that the Super Eagles will give them joy.”

Ikpeme assured that the NFF, with the great support of the National Sports Commission, has concluded arrangements for a smooth game as well as the smooth transfer of the team to Guinea Bissau and back to Nigeria after the Day 2 fixture against the Wild Dogs on Tuesday, September 29.

To qualify for the 2019 AFCON finals held in Egypt, Uyo served as the venue for the Super Eagles as they overcame South Africa, Libya and Lesotho. Ahead of the 2025 finals in Morocco, the three-time winners overcame obstacles posed by Libya, Rwanda and Benin Republic to qualify with one match remaining.

Friday’s match will begin at 5:00 p.m.