The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Nigeria had to recover from an early setback after Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute, but goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around and gave Eric Chelle’s side three points in their opening Group L fixture.
The victory also offered the Super Eagles a glimpse of what some of their newer attacking options can bring, particularly with Victor Osimhen unavailable for the September international window.
Ilenikhena Levels the Score on Super Eagles Debut
Read: Orban, Bassey, Arokodare Lead Nigerian Stars Across Europe
Nigeria started with attacking intent but were stunned when Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute. Ehsan Kari rose to meet a short corner and headed the ball beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The Super Eagles continued to push forward, with Nigeria testing Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire from the right flank before Wilfred Ndidi headed over the bar shortly afterwards.
Alex Iwobi appeared to have restored parity in the 33rd minute after finding the net inside the box, but the goal was ruled out after Akor Adams was penalised for a foul on Dupire.
Nigeria eventually got their reward just before half-time. Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, received a pass from Iwobi, held off the challenge of Jean-Pierre Morgan and finished past Dupire to make it 1-1.
The goal arrived at an important point in the match, allowing Nigeria to enter the break level rather than chase the game from behind in the second half.
Usor Makes Immediate Impact Off the Bench
The Super Eagles returned from the break with greater attacking intent and spent more time around the Madagascar penalty area.
Madagascar nevertheless had an opportunity to regain the lead when Rayan Raveloson found space behind Nigeria’s defence and went one-on-one with Nwabali. The goalkeeper stayed composed and made an important save to keep the scores level.
Chelle then turned to his bench in the 61st minute, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
Usor needed only a few minutes to make his presence felt.
The LASK forward collected the ball inside Nigeria’s half, drove past two Madagascar defenders and finished with his left foot to give the Super Eagles a 2-1 lead. It was another scoring debut for Nigeria and a strong introduction to senior international football.
Nigeria had opportunities to extend the advantage. Tolu Arokodare struck the post after coming on, while Dupire also made saves to keep Madagascar within reach. The visitors continued to look for an equaliser, but Nigeria held on to claim all three points.
Read: Taiwo Awoniyi Graduates With Merit From PFA Business School
New Faces Give Chelle More Attacking Options
The performances of Ilenikhena and Usor gave Chelle plenty to consider as Nigeria continue their qualification campaign.
Ilenikhena was handed his first senior call-up after building his career in European football. Born in Lagos and raised in France, the striker had been eligible to represent both countries before committing his international future to Nigeria.
Usor also arrived with a strong club record. The LASK forward scored 15 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 matches across all competitions last season, helping the Austrian club complete a domestic league and cup double.
Their goals were particularly valuable because Osimhen missed the fixture after suffering a muscle injury. Rather than relying on one source of goals, Nigeria found the breakthrough through two players making their first senior appearances.
The match also marked a special occasion for Moses Simon, who earned his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles after coming on in the second half.
For Nwabali, the crucial second-half save helped Nigeria protect their lead after Madagascar threatened to level the contest. Calvin Bassey also provided composure in defence as the visitors searched for another opening.
The victory gives Nigeria an important three points at the start of the qualification campaign, although the team will need to build on the result as the matches become more demanding.
The Super Eagles will next face Guinea-Bissau in Morocco on Tuesday, with another opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Follow RefinedNG for More Super Eagles Stories
Nigeria’s comeback against Madagascar showed the value of fresh attacking options, with Ilenikhena and Usor both making immediate contributions on their senior debuts.
As the 2027 AFCON qualifiers continue, can these new faces become important parts of the Super Eagles’ campaign?
Follow RefinedNG for more updates on Nigerian football, African sports and stories celebrating excellence across the continent.