AFCON 2025
Madagascar’s Barea will arrive in Uyo for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a squad that combines experience, physicality and attacking pace.
Nigeria will start the Group L encounter as the more fancied side, but Madagascar have already shown they can trouble the Super Eagles. Their memorable 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON remains a reminder of the threat they can pose.
Here are three players Nigeria will need to keep an eye on at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
1. Rayan Raveloson – Captain and Midfielder
At the centre of Madagascar’s midfield is captain Rayan Raveloson, one of the most experienced players in the squad.
The 29-year-old defensive midfielder, who plays for Turkish club Amedspor, brings considerable international experience, with around 50 caps for Madagascar and nine goals.
Raveloson combines energy with defensive awareness and can influence the game from deep positions. He is also capable of making late runs into the box and contributing in attack.
For Nigeria, limiting his time and space in midfield could be important, particularly if Madagascar look to slow the tempo and frustrate the Super Eagles.
2. Warren Caddy – Forward
Warren Caddy gives Madagascar a different dimension in attack.
The Randers FC forward is a physical and mobile striker who can hold up the ball, compete in the air and bring teammates into play. His movement can also create space for runners around him.
With Nigeria without Victor Osimhen for this fixture, Caddy could present a physical test for the Super Eagles defence, particularly when Madagascar transition quickly from defence to attack.
If the Barea decide to play directly, his ability to retain possession and bring others into the game could be central to their approach.
3. Hakim Abdallah – Forward
Another player capable of causing problems is Hakim Abdallah, the UTA Arad striker.
Abdallah is known for his movement and ability to make runs behind the defence. His positioning can allow him to exploit spaces between Nigeria’s midfield and defensive lines, especially when the Super Eagles commit players forward.
His pace and work rate could make him particularly useful on the counter-attack, with Madagascar likely to look for opportunities to exploit space behind Nigeria’s defence.
Other players to watch
Madagascar also have Loïc Lapoussin, who can provide creativity and quality from wide areas, while experienced defender Thomas Fontaine brings leadership and organisation to the backline.
The Barea are expected to defend in numbers and look for opportunities to break quickly. If Raveloson can influence the midfield and either Caddy or Abdallah finds space in transition, Madagascar could pose questions for Nigeria.
For the Super Eagles, the challenge will be to break down a side that has already demonstrated its ability to produce an upset against Nigeria.
