Former Super Eagles defender Juwon Oshaniwa has warned Nigeria against underestimating Madagascar in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, pointing to the visitors’ early arrival as evidence of their determination to get a result.
Madagascar arrived in Nigeria well ahead of the encounter, giving the Barea additional time to acclimatise and complete their preparations before facing Éric Chelle’s side.
For Oshaniwa, that should send a clear message to the Super Eagles.
Speaking to Brila Media, the 2013 AFCON winner stressed that teams traditionally raise their level when facing Nigeria and believes Madagascar will be no different.
“Any team coming to play against Nigeria, it’s like their World Cup or their final World Cup game,” Oshaniwa has said previously, describing the intensity with which opponents approach matches against the Super Eagles.
That experience informs his warning ahead of Friday’s encounter.
Oshaniwa believes Madagascar’s decision to arrive early demonstrates the seriousness of their preparation and says Nigeria must respond with an equally professional approach rather than relying on reputation or the individual quality of their players.
The former Hearts and Ashdod left-back knows first-hand what major international assignments demand. He was part of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad and represented the country at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Madagascar may enter the contest without the international profile of the three-time African champions, but Oshaniwa insists that is precisely why complacency would be dangerous.
Nigeria are attempting to put the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup behind them by beginning their AFCON qualification campaign strongly.
For Oshaniwa, the warning is straightforward: Madagascar have shown their intent by arriving early — now the Super Eagles must match that seriousness on the pitch.
