George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor marked their international debuts with goals as Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2 1 in their opening Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Super Eagles found themselves behind early in the game after Madagascar punished a defensive lapse from a well worked corner kick. Ryan Ponti delivered the ball into a dangerous area, with Eshan getting ahead of Nigeria’s defence to head the visitors into the lead.
Nigeria responded by taking control of possession and putting sustained pressure on the Barea. The hosts created several openings and finished the first half with 14 attempts as they searched for an equaliser.
Their persistence finally paid off just before the break when Ilenikhena announced himself on the international stage. The Al Ittihad forward received a pass from Alex Iwobi, controlled it well and calmly found the back of the net to send both teams into the interval level at 1 1.
Coach Eric Chelle later introduced Moses Simon and Usor as Nigeria looked for a way to complete the comeback. The decision quickly paid off when Usor produced the moment that ultimately settled the contest.
The LASK Linz forward collected the ball after Nigeria dealt with a Madagascar corner and immediately drove towards the opposition goal. He beat two defenders with a determined run before keeping his composure to send his effort past the goalkeeper at the near post.
Madagascar attempted to respond, but Nigeria defended its advantage through the closing stages to secure all three points.
The result also extended Nigeria’s unbeaten record against Madagascar in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches and placed the Super Eagles joint top of Group L alongside Guinea Bissau.
The match also saw the return of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and defender Ola Aina to the starting lineup. Both players were restored to the team as Nigeria began its latest qualifying campaign following its third place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chelle’s side will now turn its attention to the next assignment, with the Super Eagles scheduled to travel to Bissau to face Guinea Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
For Ilenikhena and Usor, the victory provided a memorable start to their international careers, while Nigeria secured an important three points from a match that had threatened to become complicated after Madagascar took the early lead.
