Madagascar coach Corentin Martins says the Barea are ready and motivated for their AFCON 2027 qualifier against Nigeria in Uyo

Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins says the Barea are ready for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026.

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The Group L encounter marks the opening match of the qualifying campaign for both sides, with Madagascar arriving in Nigeria determined to produce a positive result.

Nigeria enter the fixture with a stronger historical record and home advantage, but Martins believes his players have prepared adequately for the challenge.

“There’s a lot of motivation. We’re playing against a big African nation, with good players. We’ve prepared well, trying to recover from our long trip. We’re motivated to play well,” Martins told reporters in Uyo on Thursday.

The Barea have faced Nigeria five times, recording one victory in those meetings.

Madagascar’s only win came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, when the Barea defeated the Super Eagles in the group stage.

That encounter remains the most recent meeting between the two countries.

Madagascar will now attempt to draw on that experience as Martins prepares his team for another difficult examination against the three-time African champions.

The Madagascar coach acknowledged Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s major football nations and the quality available to the Super Eagles.

Rather than focusing on the historical gap between the teams, Martins said his players were concentrating on their preparation and recovering from the journey to Nigeria.

The Barea’s approach will be closely tested by a Nigerian side looking to begin the qualification campaign with three points in front of a home crowd.

The fixture is particularly important because the Group L qualification race will also involve Guinea-Bissau, while Tanzania have already secured their place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts.

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With both teams seeking a strong start, Martins’ confidence will face its first major test when Madagascar take on Nigeria in Uyo.