Ndidi added that the squad is committed to starting strongly against Madagascar to avoid another difficult qualifying campaign.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has promised that he and his teammates will guard against a slow start when they take on Madagascar in Uyo on Friday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
He made the vow on Thursday while addressing journalists during the pre-match press conference.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ndidi noted that the Super Eagles have learnt a valuable lesson from their sluggish start during that campaign.
He went on to say they will approach their opening Group L AFCON qualifier with the seriousness it demands.
With the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup still fresh, Ndidi stated that the players are determined to secure a strong start against Madagascar, rather than letting another poor opening undermine their campaign.
ALSO READ: Scaloni reveals he convinced Argentine legend Messi to play farewell match
He said: “We know the experiences of the last World Cup. How we started was really, really poor, really bad, and it will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum, you know, because the first game is the most important game in every competition.
“This is a qualifying tournament, therefore the opening match sets the momentum. Consequently, this provides us with the confidence to progress through subsequent matches. We are committed to performing at our best. Not merely thinking—we will perform at our best. We believe we will build the momentum. We are prepared, and everyone is completely focused.”
Nigeria have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Tanzania. Tanzania have already secured a place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Recognising the competitive pressure generated by the qualification structure, Ndidi stated that the Super Eagles are prioritizing accumulating maximum points over focusing on rival teams.
He added: “Regarding the other teams in the group, I cannot speak for them, but as our coach has indicated, pressure is an integral part of our sport. We strive to perform effectively under pressure. The paramount consideration is our team, our collective unit, our nation.
“The most important focus is us, you know. We try as much as possible to get as many points as we can. It doesn’t matter how many qualify; we want to qualify, so that’s the most important thing for us.”
