By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins says his players are confident and highly motivated ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Nigeria.
The Barea will face the Super Eagles in a Group L clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday evening.
Nigeria are widely regarded as favourites to claim all three points, given the difference in experience and quality between the two sides.
However, Madagascar will draw confidence from their previous encounter with the Super Eagles. The Barea have won once in their five meetings with Nigeria, with that victory coming in the group stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Despite the challenge posed by the Super Eagles, Martins says his players are determined to compete strongly and secure a positive result.
“There’s a lot of motivation. We’re playing against a big African nation with good players. We’ve prepared well and are trying to recover from our long trip. We’re motivated to play well,” Martins told reporters at a press conference in Uyo on Thursday.
The Group L encounter is scheduled to kick off at 5pm local time.
Read Also:
- Osimhen double powers Galatasaray to derby win over Fenerbahçe
- 2026 U-17 WWC: Ikpeme motivates Flamingos ahead of Mexico clash
- APC Campaign Council Mocks Atiku, ADC over unpaid 12 months staff salaries
- 7 Days to AACT 2026: Uloma Mbuko Ogbuokiri Champions Girls in Golf Legacy
- Atiku slams Tinubu over luxury SUV gifts to APC youths
