Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar: Super Eagles Fight Back to Open AFCON 2027 Qualifiers With Victory

The Super Eagles of Nigeria overcame an early scare to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday, making a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Nigeria were forced to come from behind after the visitors took an early lead, but goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around and secured all three points for Eric Chelle’s side.

Madagascar silenced the home crowd in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier rose to meet Ryan Ponti’s delivery and headed the ball beyond the reach of the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The early setback exposed some uncertainty in Nigeria’s play, with the Barea sitting deep and looking dangerous whenever they broke forward.

The Super Eagles gradually settled into the contest and began to exert pressure around the Madagascar penalty area.

Ilenikhena came close to finding an equaliser before Nigeria eventually got their reward in stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Alex Iwobi picked out Ilenikhena inside the penalty area, and the young forward showed composure to guide his finish into the bottom-left corner.

The equaliser changed the complexion of the contest, with Nigeria returning for the second half with greater attacking intent.

Chelle’s decision to introduce Moses Usor also proved influential.

The forward put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute after collecting a pass from Semi Ajayi. Usor drove at the Madagascar defence, skipped past two challenges and unleashed a left-footed strike into the bottom-right corner.

The goal sparked celebrations inside the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and completed Nigeria’s turnaround.

Madagascar refused to surrender and pushed for a second goal as the match entered its final stages.

The visitors created pressure around Nigeria’s box, but the Super Eagles defended their advantage and saw out the remaining minutes to claim a valuable opening-day victory.

For Nigeria, the result represents an important start to their Group L campaign, while Ilenikhena and Usor provided an immediate impact by scoring in their competitive Super Eagles debuts.

Chelle’s team will now shift focus to their next qualifying assignment against Guinea-Bissau on September 29, with Nigeria aiming to maintain their winning momentum.