Nigeria opened its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Madagascar on Friday, coming from behind at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored the goals that got the Super Eagles up and running in Group L.
Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle set his side up without the injured Victor Osimhen, handing Ilenikhena the central striker role alongside Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi in support. Stanley Nwabali started in goal, with Wilfred Ndidi wearing the armband.
Things didn’t go to script early on. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria couldn’t find a way past a well-organised Madagascar side, and it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 16th minute.
Ehsan Kari headed in from a set-piece routine, finishing off a delivery from Ryan Ponti to give Madagascar a surprise lead against a Super Eagles side many had expected to win comfortably.
However, Nigeria pushed for an immediate response but ran into a compact, patient Madagascar defence that sat deep and made chances hard to come by.
The breakthrough finally came right at the end of the first half. Iwobi delivered from a corner, and Ilenikhena rose to head the ball home in stoppage time, sending the sides in level at 1-1.
It was a timely intervention for a Super Eagles side that had struggled to break down Madagascar’s low block, and it capped an eventful full debut for the young striker deputising for Osimhen.
Chelle turned to his bench just after the hour mark, bringing on Moses Usor for his first Super Eagles appearance. The change paid off almost immediately, within minutes, Usor drove at the Madagascar defence and beat goalkeeper Dupire to put Nigeria ahead for the first time in the match, in the 65th minute.
Chelle continued to rotate late on, introducing Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare for Lookman and Ilenikhena. Arokodare almost added a third, striking the post from a Moses Simon cutback, but Madagascar held on to nothing more and Nigeria saw out the win.
The result gives Chelle plenty to work with heading into a busy qualifying window. Two new faces, Ilenikhena and Usor both scored on their Super Eagles debuts, adding fresh attacking options at a moment when Osimhen’s absence had raised questions about who leads the line.
Iwobi’s involvement in the equaliser also continues a strong run of creative form for the Fulham midfielder, while Semi Ajayi and Ola Aina both started as Chelle leaned on Premier League-based defenders.
