5 Madagascar players who can hurt Super Eagles in Group L opener

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, with several Barea players capable of causing problems for Chelle's men, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles will enter the contest without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the September qualifiers after suffering a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will claim the remaining qualifying spot from Group L.

Madagascar coach Corentin Martins has selected an experienced squad for the opening two qualifiers, with Rayan Raveloson, Loïc Lapoussin, Warren Caddy, Hakim Abdallah and Marco Ilaimaharitra among the players Nigeria will need to monitor closely.

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Madagascar players who can hurt the Super Eagles

1. Rayan Raveloson (Amedspor)

Raveloson is one of Madagascar’s biggest threats from midfield. The 29-year-old Amed Sportif midfielder has been one of the Barea’s most productive players in 2026.

He provided an assist in Amed’s 5-0 victory over Başakşehir on September 13 before playing the full 90 minutes in the 3-2 win over Beşiktaş on September 20.

For Nigeria, the danger is not simply stopping a midfielder from creating chances. Raveloson has demonstrated that he can also arrive in scoring positions and find the back of the net if he needs to.

2. Loïc Lapoussin (Guangxi Hengchen)

Lapoussin gives Madagascar another dangerous option from the midfield and attacking areas.

Lapoussin has scored nine goals and provided seven assists for Guangxi Hengchen in the 2026 China League campaign.

His ability to operate in attacking areas means Nigeria's full-backs and midfielders will have to be alert whenever Madagascar are able to progress the ball into the final third.

3. Warren Caddy (Randers FC)

Caddy's return to the Madagascar squad gives Martins another experienced attacking option.

The 29-year-old forward was recalled for the September qualifiers after missing recent selections, and his previous international performances show why the coach has brought him back.

Caddy scored against the Central African Republic and Chad during Madagascar's 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign and also provided an assist against Comoros.

Caddy's physical presence and experience could come in handy if Madagascar decide to play directly and exploit spaces behind Nigeria's defensive line.

4. Hakim Abdallah (UTA Arad)

Abdallah is another Madagascar forward who arrives with goals behind him. The UTA Arad attacker has made nine league appearances in Romania this season, starting eight, and has scored twice in 673 minutes.

The forward's ability to contribute from attacking midfield areas gives Madagascar another route to goal, particularly if Nigeria struggle to control the space around the edge of their penalty area.

5. Marco Ilaimaharitra (Standard Liege)

Ilaimaharitra may not carry the same goalscoring threat as Raveloson, but his importance to Madagascar is just as significant.

The experienced midfielder is one of the senior figures retained by Martins as the Barea prepare for the qualifiers, alongside Raveloson and Lapoussin.

His role is likely to be more about giving Madagascar control and experience in the middle of the pitch rather than producing spectacular attacking numbers.

That could prove important against Nigeria, who have just four midfielders, making them vulnerable in case of fatigue or an injury.

Ilaimaharitra's ability to help his team remain organised could make him an important player in determining whether Madagascar can withstand Nigeria's pressure and launch counter-attacks of their own.

Nigeria will therefore need to be wary of more than just Madagascar's forwards when the two sides meet in Uyo.

Raveloson's goalscoring from midfield, Lapoussin's attacking quality, Caddy's experience, Abdallah's recent club form and Ilaimaharitra's control in midfield give the Barea several different ways of threatening the Super Eagles.