AFCON 2027Q: We’re Not Scared Of Super Eagles, Madagascar Star Declares

Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson says the Barea have no fear of facing the Super Eagles ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener in Uyo.

The two sides will meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with Madagascar looking to produce another upset against the three-time African champions.

Nigeria enter the Group stage opener as favourites, having established themselves as one of Africa’s leading football nations and finished third at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.

However, Raveloson believes Madagascar’s players have enough confidence to challenge the Super Eagles and insists they will not be intimidated by Nigeria’s reputation.

“It’s football. They are humans like us, so we are not scared,” Raveloson, who plays for Turkish club Amedspor, told reporters in Uyo.

The midfielder acknowledged Nigeria’s quality but said the outcome would ultimately be determined on the pitch rather than by reputation.

Madagascar will also draw confidence from their previous meeting with Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt, when the Barea stunned the Super Eagles 2-0 in their final Group B match.

That result remains one of Madagascar’s most notable victories on the continental stage, with goals from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Charles Andriamahitsinoro securing a famous win.

Nigeria had already qualified for the knockout stage before that encounter, while Madagascar advanced as group winners.

The Barea have since continued to build their reputation as a side capable of competing against more established African teams, and Raveloson believes Friday’s encounter provides another opportunity to demonstrate their progress.

For Nigeria, the fixture marks the beginning of their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The Super Eagles will be expected to make a strong start at home, with head coach Éric Chelle relying on a squad featuring captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, midfielders Alex Iwobi and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

Osimhen, however, withdrew from the squad after suffering a muscle injury, with Taiwo Awoniyi subsequently recalled.

Madagascar, meanwhile, will look to frustrate Nigeria and repeat the type of result they achieved in Egypt eight years ago.

With both sides eager to begin the qualifying campaign on a positive note, Raveloson’s message underlines Madagascar’s belief that Nigeria’s reputation will count for little once the contest gets under way in Uyo.