Madagascar Face Selection Questions As Super Eagles Test Looms
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
MADAGASCAR’S preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been overshadowed by a squad-selection controversy ahead of the Barea’s clash with Nigeria.
Coach Corentin Martins named a 25-man squad for the opening qualifiers. Madagascar will face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on 25 September before hosting Tanzania four days later.
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of goalkeeper Zacharie Boucher.
The 34-year-old Troyes goalkeeper received his first senior invitation from Madagascar after previously rejecting an approach from the country in 2018. Reports said Boucher then identified himself as French and ruled out representing Madagascar.
His return to the national-team setup has since generated debate among sections of the Malagasy football community.
Questions have centred on the decision to invite a player who previously declined to represent the Barea, while several other eligible players were left out of the squad.
Local reports have also highlighted the absence of players including Fenoahasina, Njiva Rakotoharimalala, Jean Marcelin, Louis Démoléon and goalkeeper Sonny Laiton. Their omission has added another layer to the discussion surrounding Martins’ choices.
CAF, meanwhile, confirmed that Boucher is one of two players receiving their first senior call-ups. Striker Roman Ferber also made the 25-man squad, while Warren Caddy returned to the national team.
Despite the controversy, Madagascar will enter the qualifiers with confidence from its recent CHAN campaign. The Barea reached the 2025 African Nations Championship final, providing a significant boost after missing the previous AFCON.
However, the senior qualifying campaign presents a different challenge.
Madagascar must first travel to Uyo to face a Nigeria side featuring Victor Osimhen and several established internationals. Four days later, the Barea will host Tanzania.
Tanzania are already assured of a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts. Therefore, the qualifying race places added importance on the results involving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The squad controversy is also unfolding alongside another issue within Malagasy football. Former Barea coach Romuald Félix Rakotondrabe has reportedly alleged that he is owed salary arrears dating back to November 2024.
The dispute involves the Malagasy Football Federation and the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports.
For Martins, however, attention will quickly shift from the selection debate to the pitch.
His first major test will come against Nigeria in Uyo, where the Barea will attempt to turn their recent CHAN momentum into a positive start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
