Reported by Ariajegbe Sylvia Esezobor
The Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, as debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor rescued Nigeria from a potentially damaging opening defeat.
Madagascar took a shock 16th-minute lead when centre-back Ehsan Kari beat Nigeria's offside trap and headed in from eight yards out following a well-worked short corner routine, silencing the home crowd. The goal placed Nigeria, who were without injured striker Victor Osimhen, under immense pressure for most of the first half.
Nigeria's equaliser arrived in first-half injury time when Alex Iwobi turned defence into attack before finding Ilenikhena, who controlled and sent a low finish inside the left-hand upright. The 20-year-old, wearing the number nine shirt usually associated with Osimhen, marked his senior international debut with a crucial goal, and Osimhen, watching from the stands, enthusiastically celebrated as his younger compatriot found the net.
Chelle made decisive changes at the interval, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams. The substitutions transformed the contest. Usor, making his own debut, picked up the ball wide on the right in the 65th minute, drove forward, cut inside, beat two defenders and netted a low left-footed shot at the near post to complete the turnaround. His contribution meant Nigeria avoided dropping precious points on the road to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Stanley Nwabali, returning to the starting lineup after a five-month absence from the national team, produced a crucial one-on-one save early in the second half to deny Rayan Raveloson and prevent Madagascar from extending their advantage. The goalkeeper could do little about the opener but recovered well to keep Nigeria in the contest before the comeback was completed.
Nigeria finished the match with momentum but were unable to extend their lead, and Madagascar were forced to defend deep as the Super Eagles pressed for a third goal. The result gives Eric Chelle's side three points from their opening Group L fixture, placing them second in the table behind Guinea-Bissau, who beat Tanzania 2-0 earlier on Friday.
The victory carried additional significance because only the best-placed team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau can secure automatic qualification, with Tanzania already assured of a spot at next year's finals as co-hosts. Starting the campaign with three points was therefore essential for Nigeria, who failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and could ill afford another poor start to a major qualifying series.
Chelle had called on his players to start strongly, saying, "We must go for the points without any hesitation," and his tactical adjustments proved decisive. The coach's decision to introduce Usor and Simon at the hour mark changed the complexion of the contest, adding attacking impetus and width that Madagascar struggled to contain.
The match also marked a milestone for Moses Simon, who earned his 100th cap for the Super Eagles after coming on as a substitute. His experience and direct running complemented Usor's youthful energy as Nigeria chased the winner.
Madagascar head coach Corentin Martins had expressed confidence before the match, pointing to his side's famous 2-0 victory over Nigeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as psychological motivation. His players, he said, were "not afraid" of the Super Eagles and believed they could compete despite the long journey to Nigeria. For much of the first half, that confidence appeared justified as the Barea defended resolutely and looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau on September 29 as the Super Eagles continue their Group L campaign. The trip to Bissau represents another significant test for Chelle's side, particularly given Guinea-Bissau's superior goal difference following their victory over Tanzania. A positive result would consolidate Nigeria's position and build momentum ahead of the remaining fixtures.
For now, the Super Eagles have negotiated their opening hurdle, albeit with difficulty. The performance exposed familiar vulnerabilities, including defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge in the absence of Osimhen, but it also revealed the depth Chelle has at his disposal. The emergence of Ilenikhena and Usor as goal-scoring debutants offers encouragement for a campaign that will require contributions from across the squad. As Nigeria prepare for the trip to Guinea-Bissau, the focus will be on building on the momentum of the comeback and addressing the first-half shortcomings that nearly cost them dearly in Uyo.
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