Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The visitors stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the first half through Ehsan Kari, who finished a move to put Madagascar ahead.
Nigeria responded before the break through 19-year-old George Ilenikhena, who marked his senior international debut with a crucial equaliser in first-half stoppage time...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The Super Eagles returned from the break with greater attacking pressure as Eric Chelle’s side searched for the winning goal.
Their persistence paid off in the 65th minute when another debutant, Moses Usor, found the back of the net to complete Nigeria’s comeback.
Semi Ajayi provided the assist for Usor’s decisive goal.
The victory gives Nigeria three valuable points from their opening Group L fixture and provides Chelle with a winning start to the latest stage of the Super Eagles’ AFCON qualification campaign.
The result was particularly significant for Ilenikhena and Usor, who received their first senior call-ups for the September international window and immediately made an impact.
Nigeria entered the match without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the opening qualifiers while recovering from a muscle injury.
Madagascar’s early goal briefly raised memories of their famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON, but the Super Eagles eventually turned the game around.
Nigeria will now shift attention to their next Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Guinea-Bissau also began their campaign with a victory, defeating Tanzania 2-0.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing for the remaining qualification place from Group L.
The Super Eagles will therefore be looking to build on their opening victory when they travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifier.
