Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson has insisted that the Barea are not intimidated by Nigeria’s star-studded squad ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener in Uyo on Friday.
Raveloson and his Madagascar teammates arrived in Nigeria on Monday as they began preparations for the crucial encounter, with the Super Eagles’ players arriving the following day.
Nigeria will be without star striker Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray forward was ruled out with an injury, but Raveloson believes Madagascar will approach the match without fear regardless of the quality within the Nigerian squad.
The Amedspor midfielder acknowledged Osimhen’s reputation but insisted that the presence of high-profile players would not affect Madagascar’s mindset.
“Osimhen is a big player and everyone knows him. We are not scared. It’s football and they are humans like us,” Raveloson told Football Temple.
“Everyone wants to win, but sometimes you have to lose to learn.”
Madagascar, ranked 104th in the latest FIFA rankings, will face a Nigerian side featuring several established players from top European leagues.
The Barea, however, head into the qualifying campaign with renewed confidence following their impressive run at the African Nations Championship, where they reached the final.
The island nation are targeting only their second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their first came in 2019, when they produced one of the tournament’s surprise performances by reaching the quarter-finals.
Madagascar also stunned Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, a result that remains one of the most notable victories in their football history.
The two nations have also met in previous AFCON qualifying, with Nigeria defeating Madagascar home and away during the qualification series for the 2012 tournament. The Super Eagles, however, failed to reach the finals that year.
Madagascar appointed Corentin Martins as head coach in January 2025, with securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON among his principal objectives.
Friday’s encounter in Uyo will therefore provide Martins and his players with an early opportunity to make a statement in their qualifying campaign.
After the meeting with Nigeria, Madagascar will face Tanzania the following week, leaving the Barea with limited recovery time between their opening two fixtures.
With their recent CHAN run and memories of their 2019 victory over Nigeria providing confidence, Madagascar will arrive in Uyo determined to challenge the Super Eagles rather than simply defend against them.
Leave a comment