By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Super Eagles of Nigeria fought back from a goal down to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo on Friday.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored on their senior international debuts as Nigeria recovered from Madagascar’s early breakthrough to claim maximum points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Madagascar made a fast start and caught the Nigerian defence out on a quick transition before finding the breakthrough against Stanley Nwabali.
Nigeria responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser and were rewarded shortly before half-time when Ilenikhena found the net.
The equaliser restored confidence among the home players and ensured the teams went into the interval level at 1-1.
After the restart, Nigeria intensified their pressure, with Ndidi and Iwobi contributing to the Super Eagles’ control of the midfield.
Madagascar struggled to contain the sustained pressure as Nigeria searched for the winning goal.
That goal eventually arrived through Usor, who marked his Super Eagles debut by scoring the strike that put Nigeria ahead and completed the turnaround.
The 2-1 victory gives Eric Chelle’s team a positive beginning to their Group L campaign.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Guinea-Bissau, with the Super Eagles scheduled to travel for their second qualifying match on September 29.
The opening fixtures are particularly important in Group L because Tanzania, one of the 2027 AFCON co-hosts, already have an automatic place at the tournament, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the remaining qualifying position.
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