Madagascar’s national team have arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Nigeria, with the Barea settling into the Akwa Ibom capital before the arrival of most Super Eagles players.
The Madagascar delegation, led by head coach Corentin Martins, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Monday before travelling to Uyo later in the day.
Ranked 104th in the latest FIFA standings, Madagascar will be aiming to secure a positive result against the three-time African champions as they pursue qualification for only their second AFCON tournament.
The Barea made their historic debut at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, reaching the quarter-finals in an impressive campaign. They also stunned Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage of that tournament.
Martins was appointed Madagascar coach in January 2025, with qualifying for the 2027 AFCON listed among his major objectives.
The French coach initially named a 24-man squad for the qualifiers, including Troyes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher. However, reports indicate that Boucher has since been removed from the squad following comments he reportedly made in 2018 in which he identified himself as French and distanced himself from Madagascar.
Nigeria were also expected to begin assembling in Uyo on Monday, although no Super Eagles player had been officially confirmed as having arrived at the time of filing.
Head coach Eric Chelle and members of his backroom staff, however, were pictured arriving in Uyo as preparations for the crucial qualifier got underway.
Friday’s encounter marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign for Chelle, who is looking to guide Nigeria back to the continental tournament after the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Super Eagles have appeared at the AFCON 21 times and most recently finished third at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup was followed by major changes within the Nigeria Football Federation, including the resignation of president Ibrahim Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other board members. The federation is currently being overseen by deputy general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme.
Nigeria are in the same qualifying group as co-hosts Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the host nations, only the group winner will secure the available qualifying ticket.
The 2027 AFCON finals are scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Chelle will begin the campaign without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out through injury, but the coach has several alternatives available in attack.
Taiwo Awoniyi has been recalled for the first time since 2024 as Osimhen’s replacement, while Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi and newly invited forward George Ilenikhena provide further attacking options.
Following Friday’s meeting with Madagascar in Uyo, the Super Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying fixture next Tuesday.
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