Madagascar Arrive in Nigeria Ahead of AFCON 2027 Qualifier
Madagascar have arrived in Nigeria ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The Barea, led by head coach Corentin Martins, touched down in Nigeria as preparations intensified for their opening Group E qualifier against the three-time African champions.
The two nations are set to begin their respective preparations in Uyo ahead of Friday’s encounter, with both sides looking to make a positive start to their qualification campaigns.
Madagascar targeting another AFCON appearance
Madagascar have only qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals once in their history.
Their historic debut came at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, where they produced one of the tournament’s surprise runs, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Tunisia.
The Barea have since failed to qualify for the subsequent editions of the continental competition and will be determined to end that run by securing a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
The Madagascar Football Federation appointed Martins as head coach in January 2025, with qualification for the 2027 tournament among the major objectives of his tenure.
The French coach will now lead his side into a difficult opening assignment against Nigeria on Friday.
Barea squad arrives in Nigeria
Members of the Madagascar delegation, including Martins and several players, have arrived in the country ahead of the match.
The squad is expected to settle into camp in preparation for the encounter, with Martins having selected 24 players for the fixture.
Among the notable names initially included in the squad was goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher, who plays for French club Troyes.
However, reports indicate that Boucher was subsequently removed from the squad following comments he made in 2018 regarding his international allegiance.
His absence will leave Martins with another selection decision to make ahead of the opening qualifier.
Nigeria preparing for AFCON qualifying campaign
Nigeria will also begin their 2027 AFCON qualification campaign against Madagascar, with head coach Eric Chelle preparing his squad for the Uyo encounter.
The Super Eagles are expected to assemble in camp as their European-based players complete their club commitments and begin making their way to Nigeria.
One notable absentee is Victor Osimhen, with the Galatasaray striker unavailable for the fixture.
Chelle will therefore have to consider alternative attacking options, including Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.
The depth available in the Nigerian squad gives Chelle several options as he prepares for the first major step towards securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
Super Eagles face Madagascar test
Friday’s meeting will provide Nigeria with an early test in their qualification campaign, while Madagascar will arrive with the confidence of having already demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level of African football.
With both teams aiming to make a strong start, the encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium promises to be an important opening chapter in the race for qualification.
For Nigeria, the objective will be to use home advantage to begin the campaign with three points. Madagascar, meanwhile, will hope to produce another surprise result on their journey back to the continental stage.
