Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi has stressed the need for Nigeria to make a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, NEWSUNPLUG reports.
Nigeria missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a disappointing start to the qualifiers, failing to win any of their opening four matches, recording three draws and one defeat.
Ndidi has, however, assured that the Super Eagles have learned from their previous mistakes and are determined not to repeat them.
“It will never happen again because this is a focused team. We are planning to set the momentum, because the first game is the most important game in every competition.
“This is qualifiers, but the first game sets the momentum. So it gives us the confidence to go for the other games coming. We’re ready for it and everyone is focused for it,” Ndidi told reporters at a press conference in Uyo.
The Super Eagles will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign tonight against the Barea of Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.