AFCON 2025
As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, the visitors arrive with a squad capable of causing problems despite being underdogs. Nigeria remain favourites, yet the Barea’s famous 2-0 victory over the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON serves as a reminder not to take them lightly. Three players in particular stand out as the ones the Super Eagles must prioritise.
Rayan Raveloson
At the heart of the side is captain Rayan Raveloson, the experienced midfielder now at Amedspor in the Turkish Süper Lig. With around 50 international caps and nine goals, Raveloson brings leadership, composure, defensive discipline and the ability to drive forward from midfield. His organisational qualities and set-piece threat will be central to Madagascar’s efforts to frustrate Nigeria.
Up front, the main danger comes from the strike partnership of Warren Caddy and Hakim Abdallah.
Caddy, now at Randers FC in the Danish Superliga, arrives in strong scoring form. In the 2024/25 season with Stade Lausanne-Ouchy in the Swiss Challenge League he scored 18 goals in 29 league appearances. In the current 2025/26 campaign he contributed nine goals in 16 Challenge League games for Lausanne-Ouchy before his January move to Randers, where he has added two more goals in 12 Superliga appearances. That consistent output, combined with international goals for Madagascar, underlines his physical presence and clinical finishing.
Abdallah, operating at UTA Arad in Romania’s Liga I, has also shown reliable form. In the 2024/25 season with Dinamo București he managed four goals and four assists in 31 league games. Since joining UTA Arad he has recorded six goals and three assists in approximately 32 Liga I appearances during the 2025/26 season, remaining a threat with his movement, aerial ability and finishing.
Together, Raveloson’s midfield control and the combined threat of Caddy and Abdallah give Madagascar a dangerous core. Keeping these three quiet will be key if the Super Eagles are to make a strong start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
