The Super Eagles came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.
Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor were the heroes for Eric Chelle’s side, scoring the goals that helped Nigeria begin their qualification campaign with all three points.
The Super Eagles started the game brightly but surprisingly fell behind after 16 minutes when Madagascar scored from a well-worked corner routine. Defender Ehsan Kari found the net from close range, heading in Ryan Ponti’s pinpoint cross.
Nigeria pushed for an immediate equaliser but were frustrated by a resilient Madagascar side that sat back and defended well to prevent the Super Eagles from finding a way through. The visitors also threatened on the counter, but were unable to extend their lead.
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Few minutes before halftime, Ilenikhena came close to drawing Nigeria level after being played through on goal. However, the Al Ittihad forward saw his effort saved by Geordan Dupire.
Moments later, Ilenikhena got his goal. Once again played in behind the Madagascar defence, this time by Alex Iwobi, the 20-year-old made no mistake from close range, placing his effort into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 going into the break.
Madagascar had a huge chance to regain the lead five minutes into the second half when Rayan Raveloson was played through on goal. However, in an attempt to round Nwabali, the midfielder lost the ball to the Super Eagles goalkeeper, who produced a stunning stop to keep the scores level.
At the other end, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman both saw their efforts go wide as Nigeria continued to push for a second goal. In search of a breakthrough, Chelle made two substitutions on the hour mark, bringing on fellow debutant Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze.
The changes paid immediate dividends as Usor put Nigeria ahead just four minutes after coming on. The LASK forward dribbled his way into the box before firing a low effort into the near post, beating Dupire to give the Super Eagles the lead for the first time in the game.
Chelle made further changes in the 70th minute, with Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare coming on for Lookman and Ilenikhena. Like Usor earlier, Arokodare nearly made an instant impact, but his effort struck the post before a cutback from Moses Simon found him again, only for Dupire to make a crucial save.
Madagascar pushed for a late equaliser, but Nigeria remained disciplined both on and off the ball, holding on to their one-goal advantage until the final whistle.
The result means Nigeria sit second in Group L with three points, behind Guinea-Bissau on goal difference after the Djurtus defeated Tanzania 2-0.
The Super Eagles will now travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifier on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will look to bounce back when they take on Tanzania on the same day.
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