AFCON 2027: Madagascar Refuses To Be Intimidated As Raveloson Speaks Ahead Of Nigeria Clash

Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson has declared that the Barea are not intimidated by Nigeria ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Super Eagles in Uyo on Friday.

Raveloson and his teammates arrived in Nigeria on Monday as both sides stepped up preparations for their Group L encounter. Nigeria’s squad began arriving in camp the following day, with the Super Eagles preparing for the opening fixture without injured striker Victor Osimhen. CAF confirmed that Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening two qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Raveloson believes Madagascar have enough confidence to compete against Nigeria despite the Super Eagles’ wealth of international experience and star players.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, the Amedspor midfielder acknowledged Osimhen’s quality but insisted that his absence would not be the defining factor in the contest.

“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 said.

Madagascar will enter the contest with confidence after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship. The Barea are also seeking a return to the Africa Cup of Nations after making their historic debut in 2019, when they reached the quarter-finals. CAF has noted their recent CHAN run as a source of momentum heading into the qualifiers.

The two countries have also produced memorable encounters in previous AFCON campaigns. Madagascar recorded a 2-0 victory over Nigeria during the 2019 AFCON group stage in Egypt, while the Super Eagles won both legs of their 2012 AFCON qualifying meetings.

Madagascar are currently ranked 104th in the FIFA rankings, while Nigeria are preparing to begin their Group L campaign under head coach Eric Chelle. CAF confirmed that Nigeria will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Madagascar coach Corentin Martins has retained several experienced players for the qualifying campaign, including Raveloson and Marco Ilaimaharitra, while handing first international call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber. Warren Caddy has also returned to the squad.

The Barea will hope their recent continental experience can translate into a strong start against Nigeria, although they face a difficult challenge at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

After Friday’s encounter, Madagascar will return home to host Tanzania on September 29, while Nigeria will travel to Guinea-Bissau for their second Group L fixture. With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are effectively competing for the remaining qualifying place from the group.