Madagascar have named a 25-man squad for the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the Barea set to face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a crucial Group L encounter on September 25.

Head coach Corentin Martins has trimmed his selection from an initial provisional list of 55 players to 25 as Madagascar prepare for their first competitive assignment in the race for a place at the 2027 continental showpiece. 

CAF confirmed that the final squad includes three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, six midfielders and six forwards.

The squad features experienced players such as Marco Ilaimaharitra, Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin, Thomas Fontaine, Andy Pelmard and Hakim Abdallah. 

Martins has also handed first senior call-ups to goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and forward Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returns to the national team fold. 

The Barea head into the qualifiers with confidence after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN), and Martins will be hoping that momentum can translate into a positive start against Nigeria. Madagascar will then face co-hosts Tanzania in their second Group L fixture on September 29.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will welcome Madagascar to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second qualifying fixture four days later.

 Group L also includes Tanzania, who are automatically qualified for the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament's co hosts, meaning only the highest ranked team apart from Tanzania will secure the group’s remaining qualification berth..

The meeting in Uyo therefore carries added significance for both Nigeria and Madagascar as they begin their campaign, with the Barea arriving with a settled 25-man squad and the Super Eagles seeking to make a strong opening statement in the AFCON 2027 qualifying race.