The Super Eagles and Madagascar's Barea have shared a fixture history that charts the evolution of African football — from Nigerian dominance to a historic Malagasy upset that sent shockwaves across the continent. Ahead of their latest meeting in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, here is how their five most recent clashes unfolded.

Madagascar 0–0 Nigeria — 2002 AFCON qualifiers, 7 October 2000

The Super Eagles travelled to the Stade Municipal Alarobia in Antananarivo needing a result, but ran into a Madagascar side that defended with extraordinary resolve. Despite fielding attacking talents including Tijjani Babangida and Benedict Akwuegbu, Nigeria could not break the deadlock, and the hosts earned a creditable 0–0 draw — a result that signalled ambitions to come.

Nigeria 1–0 Madagascar — 2002 AFCON qualifiers, 2 June 2001

In the reverse fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Super Eagles made hard work of a compact and disciplined Malagasy defensive block. Madagascar frustrated Nigeria for long stretches, but Akwuegbu ended the resistance as early as the 4th minute, slotting home to seal a narrow 1–0 win and complete the qualifying double-header sweep.

Nigeria 2–0 Madagascar — 2012 AFCON qualifiers, 5 September 2010

At the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, the Super Eagles opened their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a commanding performance. Obafemi Martins broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a clinical right-footed finish, and Michael Eneramo doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, converting an assist from Martins to make it 2–0. Nigeria controlled the second half and collected all three points with ease.

Madagascar 0–2 Nigeria — 2012 AFCON qualifiers, 4 September 2011

On the road in Antananarivo, the Super Eagles reproduced their Calabar scoreline in the return leg. Madagascar held firm through a goalless first half, but Ikechukwu Uche finally broke through after the break. Victor Nsofor Obinna then sealed the win late with a well-taken counter-attacking goal, delivering a 2–0 victory on hostile territory and confirming Nigeria's grip on the tie.

Madagascar 2–0 Nigeria — 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, 30 June 2019

This was the match that rewrote the story of this rivalry. At the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, the Barea produced one of the tournament's greatest upsets, defeating a star-studded Nigerian side 2–0 with goals from Lalaina Nomenjanahary and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro. Capitalising on defensive errors and outworking Nigeria in every department, Madagascar topped the group — proof that no team in African football should be taken lightly.