Madagascar’s national team, the Barea, have arrived in Uyo ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

The Malagasy delegation arrived in Nigeria before proceeding to Uyo, where they have settled ahead of Friday’s Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. 

The early arrival gives Madagascar an opportunity to acclimatise to the environment and complete their preparations for the meeting with the three-time African champions.

Nigeria and Madagascar will meet on Friday, September 25, in the opening round of their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. 

The Super Eagles have also opened camp in Uyo, with head coach Eric Chelle and members of his technical crew arriving ahead of the players as preparations intensify for the encounter. 

Chelle’s squad has undergone a late adjustment following the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement. 

Nigeria still have several established attacking options available, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali are also among the experienced players expected to play key roles as the Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign. 

Madagascar, meanwhile, will be led by French coach Corentin Martins, who named a final 25-man squad for the opening fixtures of the qualifying campaign. 

The Barea will be looking to make a positive start against Nigeria before returning home to face Tanzania in their next qualifying fixture.

Nigeria’s fixture against Madagascar is particularly important as the Super Eagles begin their bid to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Following Friday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to Bissau for their second qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. 

With both camps now in place, attention will turn to final training sessions and tactical preparations before the two sides meet in Uyo.