• Isaac James: ‘I cried when I got Super Eagles’ invite’

Madagascar is coming into tomorrow’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria with the ambition of upsetting the Super Eagles, star midfielder Rayan Raveloson has said.
 
The Barea recorded a memorable 2-0 upset of the Super Eagles the last time they met at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt to top the group, while Nigeria qualified for the second round as the runner-up.
 
However, that game in Egypt was a dead rubber contest as both sides had already qualified for the second round before the game.
 
That notwithstanding, Raveloson said that the Barea are in the mood for victory, which will pave the way for their return to the continental fiesta.
 
Only the winner of the group will get an automatic ticket to East Africa, as one of the teams in Group L, Tanzania, has already qualified as one of the hosts of the championship.
 
Tomorrow’s game at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, will start at 5.00 p.m., but both teams will have the opportunity to train at the main bowl of the stadium today.
 
Looking forward to an interesting battle with Nigeria, Raveloson, who plays for Turkish club Amedspor, said, “We are not afraid of anybody. It’s football, and the Super Eagles are humans like us.”
 
The Corentin Martins-tutored side is one of the rising sides of African football, but they have had mixed results in their recent outings.
 
They lost 0-4 to Morocco in June, but had previously beaten Kyrgyzstan 5-2, Equatorial Guinea 2-0 and Comoros 2-1.
 
Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ new star, Isaac James, has confessed that he was overwhelmed and had to give in to tears when he received a letter inviting him to play for Nigeria.
 
James, who plays for Alverca of Portugal as a defender, told the Super Eagles’ podcast that playing for Nigeria so soon was not on his mind.
 
James is one of the 13 new players in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the international friendly against Russia.
 
He said: “I was doing well at the start of the season, but I didn’t expect to get a call-up immediately. I know it is my dream to be in the national team.
 
“When the coach called me, I was so surprised. I didn’t expect it; I was happy.
  
“I must confess, I cried; I have been dreaming of playing for the national team. We have good players here; to be among them, I’m very happy.”
 
James will contend with the established Bruno Onyemaechi for a starting spot in the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.