Madagascar Arrives in Uyo for AFCON Qualifier Against Nigeria

Madagascar's national football team, the Barea, arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday as they prepare for their opening match against Nigeria in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, scheduled for September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The match will kick off at 4pm GMT (5pm Nigerian time).

This encounter marks the beginning of Nigeria's qualifying campaign under head coach Éric Chelle, who will have to strategize without key striker Victor Osimhen, ruled out due to a muscle injury sustained while playing for Galatasaray. Osimhen's absence is significant as he has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles since his debut in 2017.

Madagascar aims to leverage their competitive experience, having reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 AFCON and the final of the African Nations Championship. Nigeria and Madagascar are in Group L, alongside Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with only the highest-placed team among Nigeria, Madagascar, and Guinea-Bissau securing qualification.