Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are preparing their squads for Nigeria’s opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON qualifying fixtures, with both teams scheduled to face the Super Eagles during the September international window.
Madagascar has already announced a 25-man squad for its opening Group L fixture against Nigeria in Uyo on September 25, while Guinea-Bissau is expected to unveil its squad ahead of its meeting with Nigeria on September 29.
Madagascar coach Corentin Martins selected three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, six midfielders and six forwards for the two qualifying matches against Nigeria and Tanzania.
The squad includes first-time senior call-ups for goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher and striker Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returns to the national team.
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Madagascar’s opening assignment will be against the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before the Barea face Tanzania four days later.
The team will enter the qualifying campaign after reaching the final of the recent African Nations Championship, a run that provided encouragement ahead of the senior team’s AFCON campaign.
Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, is preparing for its home fixture against Nigeria after the Super Eagles’ opening match against Madagascar.
According to reports, Guinea-Bissau coach Emiliano Te is expected to announce his squad during a media interaction at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro.
The Djurtus will host Nigeria in Bissau on September 29 as both sides begin their efforts to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Nigeria, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-host Tanzania were drawn in Group L of the qualifying series.
Tanzania’s status as one of the tournament’s co-hosts affects the qualification equation in the group, with Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the available qualification place.
Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, had yet to announce his squad as of September 16, with reports indicating that the list was expected during the week. Several players have also been reported to be dealing with injury concerns ahead of the fixtures.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to open their campaign against Madagascar in Uyo before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second fixture.
The September double-header will provide the first competitive matches of the qualification campaign for all three teams, while Tanzania already has its place at the finals secured as a host.
With the qualifying campaign beginning this month, the squad selections by Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are expected to provide further clarity on the players who will feature against Nigeria.

