AFCON qualifiers: Madagascar settle in Uyo ahead Eagles

Madagascar’s national team arrived in Uyo on Monday ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Nigeria, with the Barea settling in at the venue before the Super Eagles players began arriving, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Barea, led by coach Corentin Martins, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos before travelling to Uyo later in the day.

Madagascar, ranked 104th in the latest FIFA rankings, have a squad comprising largely players based in European lower divisions and African leagues. They are seeking to qualify for only their second AFCON tournament after making their debut in 2019, when they reached the quarter-finals in a memorable campaign.

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

The Madagascar Football Federation appointed Martins as head coach in January 2025, with qualification for the 2027 AFCON among his key objectives.

Martins initially named 24 players for the qualifiers, with Troyes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher among the notable names. However, reports indicate that Boucher has since been dropped from the squad over comments he made in 2018, when he reportedly said he considered himself French and denounced Madagascar.

The Super Eagles were also expected to begin arriving in Uyo on Monday, although no player arrival had been announced by the team as of the time of filing this report.

Head coach Eric Chelle and his backroom staff were, however, pictured arriving in Uyo on Monday.

Friday’s fixture marks the beginning of a new AFCON qualifying campaign under Chelle as the three-time African champions seek to secure a place at the 2027 tournament.

Nigeria have made 21 appearances at the AFCON, most recently finishing third at the 2025 edition in Morocco.

Before that tournament, the Super Eagles suffered the setback of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The aftermath of that failure was followed by a wave of resignations at the Nigeria Football Federation, led by president Ibrahim Gusau, general secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other board members.

The NFF is currently being overseen by deputy general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme.

Nigeria are in the same qualifying group as co-hosts Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Because Tanzania have already qualified automatically as one of the three host nations, only the group winner will secure a qualifying ticket for the 2027 finals, scheduled to hold from June 19 to July 17 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

On the pitch, Chelle will be without Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out with injury, but has several attacking options available.

Taiwo Awoniyi was recalled to the squad for the first time since 2024 to replace Osimhen, while in-form Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Rafiu Durosinmi and new invitee George Ilenikhena provide further options in attack.

After facing Madagascar on Friday, the Super Eagles will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying fixture next Tuesday.