Madagascar have made a late change to their squad ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria, dropping goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and recalling former international Sonny Laiton.

Boucher, the 34-year-old ESTAC Troyes goalkeeper, had initially received his first senior call-up for Madagascar’s opening qualifiers against Nigeria and Tanzania. However, his invitation was subsequently withdrawn by the Malagasy Football Federation (FMF). 

The decision followed the resurfacing of comments Boucher reportedly made in a 2018 interview, when he was linked with a possible move into the Madagascar national team.

At the time, Boucher reportedly said he considered himself French and would not accept a call-up from Madagascar. The comments resurfaced shortly after his first senior invitation was announced, prompting criticism in Madagascar. 

According to the FMF account reported by Sports Village Square, Madagascar coach Corentin Martins was informed of the old comments before discussions were held with the relevant parties, after which Boucher was not retained for the September international window. 

Boucher’s withdrawal has paved the way for the return of Sonny Laiton, who plays for Racing Union Luxembourg in the Luxembourg top flight.

Laiton had previously been a regular member of the Barea squad after making his international debut in 2024 and reportedly earned nine starts before falling out of favour with Martins. 

His return represents another development in Madagascar’s goalkeeping department as the team prepares for a difficult opening assignment against the Super Eagles in Uyo.

Laiton has welcomed his return to the national team, posting on social media: “Proud to be back with my national team.” 

He is expected to compete for the starting position alongside Geordan Dupire and Zakanirina Rakotoasimbola during the September qualifiers. 

The Barea arrived in Uyo ahead of Friday’s encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, where Nigeria will begin its Group L campaign.

Madagascar enter the contest after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN), but their preparations have now been accompanied by an unexpected change in the goalkeeping department. 

Nigeria will also begin its qualifying campaign without Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau while recovering from a muscle injury. 

The Super Eagles and the Barea will meet on Friday, September 25, before Madagascar face Tanzania four days later in their second qualifying fixture. 

For Martins, the immediate task will be to settle the goalkeeping situation and ensure the late change does not affect Madagascar’s preparations for their first competitive assignment of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Nigeria, meanwhile, will look to use home advantage in Uyo to begin its qualification campaign with a positive result.