The Super Eagles survived an early scare to launch their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.
Nigeria’s victory, however, was anything but straightforward, as Madagascar stunned the home crowd by taking an early lead before debutant George Ilenikhena and substitute Moses Usor turned the game around for the Eagles.
The visitors struck first in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari rose to head Madagascar into the lead, beating Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
The early setback exposed Nigeria’s lack of attacking penetration, with the Super Eagles struggling to impose themselves against a disciplined Madagascar side.
Nigeria eventually began to find openings, with one effort from the right flank forcing Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire into action in the 28th minute.
A minute later, Wilfred Ndidi came close but headed over the bar as the Eagles intensified pressure.
Nigeria thought they had levelled in the 33rd minute when Alex Iwobi fired home from inside the box. The goal, however, was disallowed after referee ruled that Akor Adams had fouled Dupire in the build-up.
With the first half seemingly slipping away, Nigeria finally found the breakthrough in the 45th minute through Ilenikhena, who marked his Super Eagles debut in spectacular fashion.
The Al Ittihad forward latched onto an Iwobi pass before unleashing a finish that sent the ball into the net and restored parity just before the interval.
The equaliser sparked a dramatic change in Nigeria’s approach after the restart.
The Super Eagles returned with far greater attacking intent, piling pressure on the visitors and recording 21 touches inside Madagascar’s penalty area early in the second half, compared with just three for the visitors.
Madagascar briefly threatened to regain the advantage in the 51st minute when Rayan Raveloson broke forward, but Nwabali dealt comfortably with the danger.
Coach Eric Chelle then moved decisively from the bench, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon in the 61st minute for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
The substitution paid immediate dividends.Usor needed only minutes to make his mark, firing Nigeria into a 2-1 lead and completing the Eagles’ comeback.
Chelle subsequently reinforced his attacking options, bringing on Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare in the 69th minute as Nigeria sought to kill off the contest.
Madagascar pushed for an equaliser but Nigeria held firm
