Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson says the Barea are not intimidated by Nigeria’s star-studded Super Eagles ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash in Uyo.

The two countries will meet at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 25, with both sides beginning their Group L qualifying campaign.

Raveloson and his Madagascar teammates arrived in Nigeria on Monday and have since settled into their preparations for the encounter. 

Nigeria, meanwhile, began arriving in camp on Tuesday, with 23 players taking part in the Super Eagles’ first training session in Uyo. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was the last expected arrival. 

Despite the quality available to Eric Chelle, Raveloson insists Madagascar will approach the fixture without fear.

“Osimhen is a big player and everyone knows him. We are not scared. It’s football and they are humans like us. Everyone wants to win, but sometimes you have to lose to learn,” the Amedspor midfielder told Football Temple. 

The midfielder’s comments come despite Nigeria boasting several established international stars, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Calvin Bassey and Ola Aina.

Nigeria, however, will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who was withdrawn from the squad after his recovery from an adductor muscle injury took longer than expected. 

Raveloson, who plays his club football in Turkey, acknowledged Osimhen’s status but maintained that Madagascar’s approach would not be determined by the absence or presence of individual Nigerian players.

“It’s football, they are humans like us so we are not scared,” Raveloson was also quoted as saying after Madagascar’s arrival in Uyo. 

The Barea will be looking to draw on the confidence gained from their recent performances on the continental stage as they begin another qualification campaign.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will be seeking a positive start after missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will look to use home advantage to begin their AFCON qualification campaign strongly.

The Super Eagles are being coached by Chelle, who named a 24-man squad for the September qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. 

Following Friday’s encounter, Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29, while Madagascar are scheduled to continue their campaign against Tanzania.

With both teams seeking an early advantage in the group, the Uyo encounter is set to provide the first competitive test of their respective AFCON 2027 qualification campaigns.