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Madagascar’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Nigeria have been hit by controversy following the announcement of Coach Corentin Martins’ squad for the opening matches, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
The Barea will travel to Uyo to face the Super Eagles on September 25 before taking on co-hosts Tanzania four days later.
The latest controversy centres on Zacharie Boucher, who received his first senior invitation to the Madagascar national team.
The 34-year-old goalkeeper, who plays for French club Troyes, had previously rejected an approach from Madagascar in 2018, reportedly stating that he considered himself French and did not identify as Malagasy.
His return to the national-team picture has divided opinion in Madagascar, with questions raised over the decision to select a player who previously turned down the Barea while other eligible players were left out.
Local publication Newsmada also highlighted the absence of several players, including Fenoahasina, Njiva Rakotoharimalala, Jean Marcelin, Louis Démoléon and goalkeeper Sonny Laiton, adding to the debate surrounding Martins’ selections.
The squad selection has also attracted attention because of its composition.
CAF reported that Martins selected 25 players, including new call-ups Boucher and striker Roman Ferber, while Warren Caddy returned to the squad.
The Barea are coming off a historic run to the 2025 CHAN final, but they now face a difficult start to their AFCON qualifying campaign against Nigeria, followed by Tanzania.
The invitation controversy comes at a sensitive time for Madagascar football, with the team needing a strong start in a group where Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts.
Meanwhile, Madagascar football is also dealing with a separate dispute involving former Barea coach Romuald Félix Rakotondrabe, who has 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, attention will now turn to whether his controversial selection decisions can produce results when Madagascar face Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
