Turkey-based Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson says the Barea are not intimidated by the Super Eagles ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener against Nigeria in Uyo on Friday.
Raveloson and his teammates arrived in Nigeria on Monday, settling in ahead of the star-studded hosts, who began arriving on Tuesday.
Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out with an injury, but Raveloson, who plays for Amedspor in the Turkish Super Lig, insists Madagascar are not scared of facing Nigeria, regardless of the big names in the Eagles squad.
“Osimhen is a big player and everyone knows him. We are not scared. It’s football and they are humans like us. Everyone wants to win, but sometimes you have to lose to learn,” he told Football Temple.
Madagascar, ranked 104th in the latest FIFA rankings, have a squad comprising largely players based in European lower divisions and African leagues.
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The Barea will hope to carry the momentum from their recent run at the African Nations Championship, where they reached the final, into their AFCON qualifying campaign.
