Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on a winning note after coming from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, Naijafooty.com reports.
The victory was made even more remarkable by the performance of two debutants, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who both found the net on their senior international debuts to complete Nigeria’s comeback.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd by taking the lead in the opening stages. The visitors capitalised on a quick attacking move before finding the back of the net, leaving Nigeria with an early deficit to overcome. Reports identified the opening goal as coming from Madagascar after a transition, with different reports differing on the scorer’s name.
Nigeria responded with greater urgency as the first half progressed, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their persistence eventually paid off in added time at the end of the first half when Ilenikhena reacted to a fine attacking move to level the contest and mark his first appearance for the Super Eagles with a goal.
The second half produced a tense battle, with both sides searching for the decisive goal. Nigeria continued to apply pressure, while Madagascar attempted to remain compact and protect their defensive shape.
The breakthrough eventually arrived from another debutant. Usor, introduced from the bench, made an immediate impact and scored the winning goal to complete Nigeria’s turnaround. The LASK forward’s decisive contribution ensured that both of Nigeria’s goals came from players making their senior international debuts.
The result gives Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture and provides head coach Eric Chelle with a positive start to the qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
For Ilenikhena and Usor, however, the night will carry an even greater significance. Both players arrived in the national team as newcomers and responded to their opportunity in the biggest possible fashion — by scoring goals that secured Nigeria’s first victory of the qualifying campaign.
Nigeria now have the points, the momentum and two new names to celebrate after a dramatic night in Uyo.
