Super Eagles made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, this evening.
The win was made all the more meritorious by goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor in either half which turned around Madagascar’s early lead.
Madagascar went ahead when they took advantage of a fast transition to beat custodian Stanley Nwabali and quieten the home supporters.
Nigeria rallied before the break when Ilenikhena scored in the first minute of additional time to level things and score on his senior Super Eagles debut.
The sides went in at the interval all square at 1-1, the leveller.
Nigeria intensified the pressure after the break, with captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi aiding the hosts to dominate midfield.
The pressure was kept up and it paid off in the end as Usor scored the winning goal in the second half to seal Nigeria’s comeback and all three points for the Super Eagles.
The triumph gives Eric Chelle’s team a winning start to their Group L campaign.
Nigeria’s next fixture is away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will host Tanzania on the same day.
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Nigeria are second in Group L with three points, tied on points with Guinea-Bissau, who lead on goal difference. Tanzania and Madagascar are yet to register a point.
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