Madagascar will announce its squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Nigeria on Thursday, September 17, as preparations intensify for the crucial September international window.

The Malagasy Football Federation is scheduled to unveil the Barea squad at 12:00pm on Thursday, with head coach Corentin Martins expected to name his selection for the double-header against Nigeria and Tanzania. 

Madagascar will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles on September 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before travelling to Morocco for a second qualifier against Tanzania four days later.

The encounter with Tanzania is scheduled for September 29 at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknès in Morocco. 

The Barea will be hoping to put together a strong squad for the two fixtures as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

Nigeria, meanwhile, is also preparing for the September qualifiers under head coach Eric Chelle, although the Super Eagles squad had yet to be officially announced as of Monday.

Chelle is reportedly facing several fitness concerns ahead of the international window, with midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka and Tochukwu Nnadi among those whose availability is in doubt.

Right-back Ryan Alebiosu and winger Femi Azeez are also reportedly carrying fitness concerns, while Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi are expected to miss the fixtures because of injuries. 

The September 25 encounter in Uyo is expected to be particularly significant for the Super Eagles as they continue their qualification campaign, with home advantage likely to play a major role in Nigeria’s plans.

Madagascar’s decision to announce its squad eight days before the meeting gives Martins sufficient time to prepare his players for the trip to Nigeria and subsequently the Tanzania fixture.

The announcement will also provide an early indication of the players Madagascar intends to rely on in its bid to challenge Nigeria in Uyo.

With both teams expected to name their squads in the coming days, attention is now turning towards the fitness of key players and the tactical plans of both coaches ahead of the highly anticipated AFCON qualifier.