Madagascar's AFCON Team Descends on Uyo with 28-Man Squad

The national football team of Madagascar has officially arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, to prepare for their pivotal 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The Malagasy delegation, consisting of 28 players and officials, touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Monday at approximately 2:05 PM. This arrival signifies the commencement of their final preparations for the upcoming Group L fixture.

Upon their arrival, the visiting team was greeted at the airport by Samuel Umoh, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, along with his team members. Umoh confirmed that additional members of the Madagascar delegation are expected to join the team in Uyo on Tuesday, September 22, further strengthening their contingent. The highly anticipated match against the Super Eagles is slated to be held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, famously recognized as the 'Nest of Champions'.

Both sides are keen to make a robust start to their AFCON qualifying campaign. Following their match against Nigeria on Friday, the Barea, as Madagascar's team is known, will return home to host Tanzania in their second Group L fixture. Concurrently, the Super Eagles are expected to intensify their training in Uyo. This campaign marks a significant milestone for head coach Éric Chelle, as it will be his first AFCON qualifying campaign since taking charge of the Nigerian national team.

The upcoming encounter is anticipated to be particularly competitive, partly due to their recent history. Madagascar will be looking to replicate their previous success against Nigeria, having secured a memorable 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles during the group stage of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt. This historical context adds an extra layer of excitement and determination for both teams as they begin their journey towards securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON tournament.