Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has urged Nigeria to approach Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar with full concentration, insisting that the team will not underestimate their opponents.
Nigeria begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, with the Super Eagles looking to make a strong start under head coach Eric Chelle.
The encounter is the first of Nigeria’s Group L fixtures, with Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau completing the qualifying group.
The Super Eagles have made 21 appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations and finished third at the 2025 tournament in Morocco.
After missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Onyeka said the players have put that disappointment behind them and are now focused on securing a place at the next continental championship.
“Like every other game we have played, we have to win. I know we were quite disappointed not to qualify for the World Cup, but now we have something to prepare for, which is the AFCON next year,” Onyeka told Ademola Victor TV.
The midfielder stressed that Nigeria must treat Madagascar with respect and produce the required performance to secure the desired result.
“We take every game as it comes and we don’t underrate any team. We have to play well to win,” he added.
Madagascar, however, are also heading into the contest with confidence and have made it clear that Nigeria’s reputation will not intimidate them.
Rayan Raveloson, who plays his club football in Turkey, acknowledged the quality within the Super Eagles squad but insisted that the Barea believe they can compete.
The midfielder also addressed the absence of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable for the opening qualifiers due to injury.
“Osimhen is a big player and everyone knows him. We are not scared. It’s football and they are humans like us. Everyone wants to win, but sometimes you have to lose to learn,” Raveloson told Football Temple.
Madagascar enter the qualifiers after an impressive run at the recent African Nations Championship, where they reached the final.
The Barea are also seeking only their second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Their first came in 2019, when they produced one of the tournament’s surprise runs by reaching the quarter-finals.
Madagascar famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 in the group stage of that competition, providing a reminder of their ability to cause problems against more established African sides.
Nigeria have also enjoyed success against Madagascar in previous AFCON qualifying meetings. The Super Eagles defeated the Barea home and away during the qualification campaign for the 2012 tournament, although Nigeria ultimately failed to secure a place at the finals.
Friday’s encounter therefore presents another chapter in the developing rivalry, with Nigeria seeking a positive beginning to their latest qualification journey and Madagascar aiming to repeat their historic success against the three-time African champions.
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