{
  "id": 9044702,
  "title": "AFCON qualifiers: Madagascar settle in Uyo ahead Eagles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/afcon-qualifiers-madagascar-settle-in-uyo-ahead-eagles",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T00:44:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-madagascar-settle-in-uyo-ahead-eagles/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Madagascar's national football team landed in Uyo on Monday, ahead of their qualifying match against Nigeria for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The team, led by coach Corentin Martins, settled into their accommodation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos before heading to Uyo later in the day. Madagascar, currently ranked 104th in FIFA's rankings, is making their second AFCON appearance after reaching the quarter-finals in 2019. The team, largely consisting of players from European lower divisions and African leagues, aim to qualify for their second AFCON tournament. Madagascar's head coach, Corentin Martins, was appointed in January 2025, with qualifying for 2027 AFCON as a key objective. The team initially had 24 players, including Troyes goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher. However, Boucher was subsequently dropped from the squad over comments he made in 2018 about feeling more French than Madagascar. The Super Eagles of Nigeria were also expected to arrive in Uyo on Monday, with their head coach Eric Chelle and backroom staff seen arriving in the city. This match marks the start of a new AFCON qualifying campaign for Nigeria as the three-time African champions strive to secure a spot at the 2027 tournament.",
  "summary": "Madagascar’s national team, the Barea, have arrived in Uyo ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Read More: https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-madagascar-settle-in-uyo-ahead-eagles/",
  "key_points": [
    "Madagascar's national team arrives in Uyo for AFCON qualifier against Nigeria.",
    "Madagascar currently ranked 104th in FIFA rankings.",
    "Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle arrives in Uyo on same day."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Madagascar's arrival in Uyo sets the stage for a crucial AFCON qualifier against Nigeria, with both teams vying for a spot at the 2027 tournament and seeking to make a strong impression.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Arokodare gives fitness update ahead of Madagascar clash",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/arokodare-gives-fitness-update-ahead-of-madagascar-clash",
        "published": "2026-09-22T00:44:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}