Madagascar Arrive in Uyo with 28-Man Squad for Nigeria AFCON Qualifier
Madagascar's football delegation has arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against the Super Eagles. The Group L encounter, scheduled for Friday, holds significant weight as both teams aim for a strong start to their qualification campaign, rekindling a competitive rivalry from their 2019 AFCON clash.
Madagascar’s national football team has arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their pivotal 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The Malagasy delegation, comprising 28 players and officials, landed at Victor Attah International Airport at about 2:05 p.m. on Monday, beginning preparations for their Group L encounter.
They were received by Samuel Umoh, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, and his team, with additional members of the delegation expected to arrive in Uyo on Tuesday, September 22.
The match is scheduled for Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, popularly known as the Nest of Champions, as both teams begin their AFCON qualifying campaigns. After facing Nigeria, the Barea, Madagascar’s national team, will return home to host Tanzania in their second Group L fixture, while the Super Eagles continue preparations in Uyo.
The campaign also marks Éric Chelle’s first AFCON qualifying campaign as Nigeria’s head coach since taking charge of the national team. Madagascar will enter the encounter with a notable recent result against Nigeria in mind, having defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 during the group stage of the 2019 AFCON in Egypt.
The result remains one of Madagascar’s most memorable victories over Nigeria and adds historical context to Friday’s Group L meeting. With both sides seeking an early advantage in the qualification campaign, the Uyo encounter is expected to set the tone for their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.