Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night, September 25.
The Group L encounter saw debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor score in either half as Nigeria overturned Madagascar’s early advantage to claim all three points.
Madagascar took the lead after a quick counterattack caught Nigeria’s defence off guard, with the visitors beating goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to silence the home crowd.
Nigeria responded just before half-time, with Ilenikhena finding the net in the first minute of added time to level the scores and mark his senior international debut with a goal.
Both sides went into the break with the score at 1-1.
Nigeria returned from the interval with greater intensity, as captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi helped the Super Eagles establish control in midfield.
The sustained pressure eventually paid off when Usor scored in the second half to give Nigeria the lead and complete the comeback.
The victory gives Éric Chelle’s side a winning start to their Group L campaign.
Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will host Tanzania on the same day.
The Super Eagles were without striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the opening fixture through injury.
Following the opening round of matches, Nigeria have three points and sit second in Group L, level on points with leaders Guinea-Bissau but behind on goal difference. Tanzania and Madagascar are yet to register a point.
