Why Super Eagles must be wary of these 5 Madagascar players

The Super Eagles will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on Friday, but coach Eric Chelle’s side cannot afford to approach the clash with any form of levity, Afrik-Foot reports.

Only one team will qualify from Nigeria’s Group L, so they have to start on a strong note. Nigeria will be without Victor Osimhen after the Galatasaray striker was ruled out with a muscle injury, while Madagascar arrive in Uyo with the knowledge that they defeated Nigeria in their last meeting.

The Barea do not have the kind of quality that Nigeria possess, but they have some players capable of causing problems, particularly if Nigeria allow them space to settle into the game.

In this article, we highlight five Madagascar players the Super Eagles must keep a close eye on.

Rayan Raveloson

Madagascar’s captain is arguably the most important player in Corentin Martins’ midfield.

Raveloson joined Turkish side Amedspor in the summer and has started all six of their league matches this season, operating primarily as a defensive midfielder. He has also already registered an assist.

His importance goes beyond what he produces with the ball. Raveloson provides protection in front of the defence, wins duels and can help Madagascar transition quickly after recovering possession.

“We are not scared of Nigeria.”

Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson sends a confident message ahead of their clash with the Super Eagles. 🇲🇬🆚🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/BSsE7nZPNv

— Brila Media (@Brilamedia) September 22, 2026

Nigeria’s midfielders will therefore need to prevent him from dictating the tempo. Interestingly, Raveloson is teammates with one Nigerian player Gift Orban.

Loïc Lapoussin

Lapoussin offers Madagascar a completely different threat. The midfielder has enjoyed a very good campaign at Guangxi Hengchen, recording nine goals and seven assists for his side.

During the last World Cup qualifying cycle with Madagascar, he contributed one goal and two assists in six World Cup qualifying appearances.

His ability to carry the ball and create from the left means Ola Aina or whichever player operates on Nigeria’s right could have plenty of defensive work. He has an immense work rate and is a good dribbler. If he ticks, Madagascar tick.

Hakim Abdallah

Abdallah is another player Nigeria cannot afford to ignore.

The UTA Arad forward scored six goals and provided three assists in 33 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign. He has also started the new season regularly, scoring twice in his first 10 league appearances.

With Osimhen unavailable, Nigeria will be expected to dominate possession. That could leave spaces behind the Super Eagles if their full-backs push forward, giving Abdallah an opportunity to attack them in transition.

The 28-year-old is physically strong and quick. So he must never be left alone with just one defender to beat.

Warren Caddy

Caddy brings European experience and a proven record of contributing to Madagascar’s attack.

The forward scored twice and supplied three assists during Madagascar’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, featuring in six matches and starting five.

His ability to contribute both goals and assists makes him particularly dangerous when Madagascar break quickly. He is very direct and likes to go straight at goal when the opportunities arrive.

Marco Ilaimaharitra

The experienced defensive midfielder gives Madagascar another source of composure in the middle of the pitch.

Ilaimaharitra has spent much of his career in Belgian football and is currently with Standard Liège. His experience at club level and with the national team makes him one of the players capable of helping Madagascar withstand pressure before launching attacks of their own.

For Chelle, the priority will be making sure these players are not allowed to dictate the game.

Nigeria have the quality to control the contest, but Madagascar have already shown they can trouble the Super Eagles. The Barea famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 AFCON.

The Super Eagles therefore need concentration as much as quality when the two teams meet in Uyo.