Madagascar’s national football team, the Barea, have arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
A 28-man delegation comprising players and officials arrived at the Victor Attah International Airport on Monday before proceeding to their hotel. More members of the delegation are expected to join the team as preparations continue.
The Barea, coached by Corentin Martins, will face Nigeria on Friday, September 25, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.
Madagascar will be hoping to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign as they target a return to the continental championship after missing the 2025 edition in Morocco.
The island nation made their AFCON debut in 2019 and reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in Egypt. They also recorded a 2-0 victory over Nigeria during the group stage of that competition.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have begun preparations under head coach Eric Chelle, with players gradually arriving in Uyo for the opening qualifier.
The Super Eagles will be without striker Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray forward was ruled out with a muscle injury. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up as his replacement.
Following Friday’s encounter, Nigeria are scheduled to travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture on September 29.
With both camps now taking shape in Uyo, attention has shifted to final preparations ahead of Friday’s Group L encounter.
