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.
Madagascar took an early lead, but Nigeria responded through debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor to secure three points in their opening Group L fixture.
Madagascar strikes first
Nigeria controlled much of the early possession but fell behind in the 16th minute.
Madagascar defender Ehsan Kari headed the visitors ahead after a short-corner routine created the opportunity. Ryan Ponti supplied the cross for Kari’s header.
The goal forced Nigeria to chase the game, with the Super Eagles creating opportunities without immediately finding an equaliser.
Alex Iwobi appeared to have levelled the match before halftime, but the effort was ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.
Ilenikhena equalises on debut
Nigeria eventually found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time.
George Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, finished from an Alex Iwobi pass to make it 1-1 before the interval.
The goal gave Nigeria a level scoreline after a first half in which Madagascar had defended effectively for long periods.
Ilenikhena had been brought into the starting attack in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who was unavailable through injury.
Usor completes the comeback
Nigeria continued to press after halftime and eventually moved ahead through another player making his senior international debut.
Moses Usor scored in the second half to put Nigeria 2-1 ahead. The LASK winger received the ball on the right, moved inside and finished with a low shot.
The goal completed Nigeria’s comeback after Madagascar had led for much of the first half.
Madagascar continued to look for an equaliser, but Nigeria held onto its advantage until the final whistle.
Three points to open Group L
The victory gives Nigeria three points from its opening Group L match.
The qualifying group also includes Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania. Tanzania, as one of the hosts of the 2027 tournament, already has a place at the finals, while the remaining teams are competing for qualification places.
Nigeria’s next scheduled Group L match is away to Guinea-Bissau on September 29, 2026, according to the current fixture schedule.
Two debutants provide the goals
The result was notable for the contribution of two players making their senior Nigeria debuts.
Ilenikhena scored the equaliser, while Usor provided the winning goal.
Their goals allowed Nigeria to recover from Madagascar’s early advantage and avoid dropping points in the opening fixture.
Nigeria responds to early setback
The victory also continued a contrasting recent history between the two teams.
Madagascar famously defeated Nigeria 2-0 at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, making the latest meeting another significant fixture between the sides.
This time, however, Nigeria recovered after conceding first and secured the opening three points of its qualifying campaign.
The result gives Eric Chelle’s team a positive start to the Group L schedule, although qualification remains dependent on results across the rest of the campaign.
Nigeria next travels to Guinea-Bissau on September 29 for its second group match.
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