Nigeria’s Super Eagles launched their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought comeback victory over Madagascar on Thursday, winning 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with two debutants supplying the goals that turned the match around.
Madagascar drew first blood in the 18th minute when Ehsan Kari put the visitors ahead, a result that left Nigeria facing an uncomfortable early reckoning in front of their home support. The Super Eagles steadied themselves, however, and the equaliser arrived deep into first-half stoppage time through George Ilenikhena, who marked his senior international debut in the most emphatic fashion possible.
The turnaround was completed in the 65th minute when fellow debutant Michael Usor struck a brilliant effort to put Nigeria in front, and the Super Eagles managed the remainder of the match with enough composure to secure all three points. That two players should make their first appearances for the national team and both find the net speaks to the quality of the talent-identification process that head coach Eric Chelle has put in place since taking charge — the Malian tactician has been casting a wide net, and Thursday’s result suggests that approach is already bearing fruit.
The evening also carried a personal milestone for Moses Simon, who came off the bench in the second half to become the fifth player in the history of the Super Eagles to reach 100 caps, joining an exclusive group that reflects both his longevity and his consistent contribution to the national side. The Paris FC forward’s achievement was a quiet but significant footnote to an otherwise turbulent night.
Despite the victory, Nigeria do not lead Group L. Guinea-Bissau, who defeated co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 in the other opening fixture, sit top of the group on goal difference, meaning the Super Eagles face an immediate test of their ambitions when they travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their next qualifier. With only one team advancing from the group, the margin for error is narrow, and Chelle will know that a positive result on the road is not merely desirable — it is essential. Tanzania and Madagascar, both beaten in their opening matches, will face each other in the remaining matchday-two fixture as they attempt to salvage their own campaigns.