MADAGASCAR NOT AFRAID OF STAR-STUDDED NIGERIA

Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson says the Barea are not intimidated by Nigeria ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener in Uyo on Friday.

Raveloson and his teammates arrived in Nigeria on Monday, ahead of the Super Eagles, who began arriving on Tuesday for the encounter.

Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out through injury, but Raveloson said Madagascar remain confident despite the quality of players in the Nigerian squad.

The Amedspor midfielder said Osimhen was a recognised star but insisted that football remained unpredictable and that Madagascar would not be afraid of their opponents.

Madagascar are ranked 104th in the latest FIFA rankings and have a squad largely made up of players based in European lower divisions and African leagues.

The Barea will hope to carry their recent form into the qualifying campaign after reaching the final of the African Nations Championship.

Madagascar are seeking only their second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations, having made their debut in 2019 and reached the quarter-finals.

They also recorded a 2-0 victory over Nigeria in the group stage of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.

In their previous AFCON qualifying meetings, Nigeria defeated Madagascar home and away during the qualifiers for the 2012 tournament, although the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the competition.

Madagascar appointed Corentin Martins as head coach in January 2025, with qualifying for the 2027 AFCON among his major objectives.

After facing Nigeria on Friday, Madagascar will play Tanzania the following week as they begin their qualifying campaign.