RismadarVoice Reporters
September 23, 2026
Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson has said his side will not be intimidated by Nigeria when both teams meet in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.
The Super Eagles will host the Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as both countries begin their campaigns for a place at the continental tournament.
Despite Nigeria’s stronger record in African football, Raveloson said Madagascar would approach the encounter without fear and with confidence in their ability to compete against the three-time African champions.
“It’s sports. We are not scared because they are humans like us,” Raveloson told reporters in Uyo.
The Amedspor midfielder said reputation alone would not determine the outcome of the encounter, maintaining that both teams would have an opportunity to prove themselves on the pitch.
Madagascar also have a notable recent competitive result against Nigeria to draw confidence from.
The Barea defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 during the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, finishing above Nigeria in their group.
Nigeria subsequently recovered to reach the semi-finals before finishing third in the tournament, while Madagascar reached the quarter-finals in their debut AFCON appearance.
Friday’s encounter will provide Nigeria with an opportunity to begin their 2027 qualifying campaign with a home victory, while Madagascar will be seeking another positive result against the Super Eagles.
Raveloson’s comments underline the visitors’ intention to approach the Uyo encounter without being intimidated by Nigeria’s continental pedigree.
