George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor marked their Super Eagles debuts with goals as Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, on the night Moses Simon won his 100th cap.
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It was the perfect start for debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, whose goals helped the Super Eagles come from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening Group L fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Uyo on Friday.
A Night Of Milestones
The win extended Nigeria’s dominance over Madagascar in AFCON qualifying to four wins and a draw from five meetings. Head coach Eric Chelle handed Ilenikhena a starting debut, while Moses Simon made his 100th Super Eagles appearance. Stanley Nwabali featured for the first time since the 2025 AFCON in January, and both Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare returned to the fold after time away from the squad.
Madagascar Strike First
Nigeria started brightly, with Wilfred Ndidi heading narrowly over inside the opening five minutes, but it was the visitors who took a surprise lead in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan beat the offside trap to nod home a well placed cross. Ndidi and Alex Iwobi both went close to an equaliser before the break, and an Iwobi effort was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper, before Ilenikhena finally levelled matters in first half stoppage time, running onto an Iwobi through ball to slot past the keeper.
Usor’s Solo Strike Wins It
Madagascar almost restored their lead early in the second half, but goalkeeper Nwabali produced a smart save to deny captain Rayan Raveloson clean through on goal. Chelle then turned to his bench, introducing Usor and Simon, and it was Usor who made the decisive impact, cutting in from the left, beating two defenders and finishing low into the corner to put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute. Arokodare hit the post late on as Nigeria pushed for a third, but the Super Eagles held on to secure the win.
Guinea-Bissau Next
The result leaves Nigeria second in Group L, with Guinea-Bissau top of the standings after their 2-0 away win over Tanzania. The Super Eagles will next travel to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
