Madagascar's national team, the Barea, has arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles on September 25. A 28-man delegation of players and officials arrived in Akwa Ibom State on Monday, and they are expected to complete their preparations for the fixture, which is scheduled for 4pm GMT. The match marks the beginning of a new qualifying campaign for the Super Eagles under head coach Éric Chelle.
The encounter will be a demanding start to the Super Eagles' campaign in Group L, as they face a confident Madagascar team. The Barea have built a reputation for making life difficult for established African football nations, having reached the quarter-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. They have also recently reached the final of the African Nations Championship, giving coach Corentin Martins and his players additional competitive experience.
Nigeria will enter the contest without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of both September qualifiers due to a muscle injury. The Super Eagles will need to reorganize their attack, with Akor Adams carrying major attacking responsibility. The Venezia forward has already established himself as a significant member of the Super Eagles setup, having featured prominently for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Adams has scored six goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances for the Super Eagles. He has also moved to Serie A side Venezia, joining the Italian club from Sevilla in the summer. Another central option for Chelle is Taiwo Awoniyi, who was called up to replace Osimhen. Awoniyi gives Chelle another experienced central striker, while Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena provide additional options.
Beyond the central striking options, Nigeria possesses considerable attacking quality in the wider areas. Ademola Lookman remains one of the key figures in the squad, with Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze offering further pace, direct running, and creativity. The attacking burden, therefore, is unlikely to fall on one player alone, and Chelle will need the forwards to combine their different qualities.
While the attack has received most of the attention, Chelle still has a familiar core from which to build his team. Captain Wilfred Ndidi remains in the squad alongside Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, and Frank Onyeka in midfield. Defensively, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Ola Aina are among the experienced options, while goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye are also available.
The Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, but Tanzania have already secured automatic qualification as one of the three co-hosts of the 2027 tournament. Consequently, only the highest-placed team among the remaining three nations — Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau — will secure the group's qualifying berth. The Confederation of African Football has described Nigeria's opening double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as particularly significant.
Key points
- The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen due to a muscle injury.
- Madagascar has built a reputation for making life difficult for established African football nations.
- The match is scheduled for 4pm GMT on September 25.
