Madagascar midfielder Rayan Raveloson has issued a daring declaration ahead of his team’s high-stakes encounter against the Super Eagles, insisting that the Barea have no fear of the Nigerian national team.
Corentin Martins’ side is set to lock horns with Nigeria in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday one fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Despite the stark contrast in footballing pedigree between both nations, Raveloson remains adamantly confident that Madagascar can pull off a massive upset on Nigerian soil.
The three-time African champions enter the contest as overwhelming favorites to take all three points, possessing a roster packed with top-tier European talent.
However, the Turkish-based Amedspor midfielder insists that names and past achievements will count for nothing once the referee blows the opening whistle.
Speaking to journalists during a pre-match press interaction in Uyo, Raveloson brushed aside the favorite tag attached to the Super Eagles, emphasizing that fear has no place in modern international football.
He pointed out that every player on the pitch faces the same conditions, noting that the Nigerian stars are only human beings who can be beaten on any given day.
He added that since it remains an even contest of eleven against eleven, Madagascar enters the showdown fully prepared to fight for a historic victory.
Raveloson’s bold stance is backed by recent history, as Madagascar famously knows what it takes to dismantle the Nigerian defense.
The last time both countries crossed paths in a competitive setting, the underdog Barea shocked the continent by handing Nigeria a humiliating 2-0 defeat during the group stages of the 2019 AFCON tournament in Egypt.
Drawing motivation from that memorable night, Raveloson and his teammates are determined to repeat the feat and ruin Nigeria’s qualification kickoff in front of their home fans.
As anticipation builds in Uyo, the stage is officially set for a thrilling battle between a powerhouse determined to assert dominance and a defiant Madagascar squad ready to shock Africa once more.
