AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo

AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo

Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Madagascar took an early lead in the 16th minute through Ehsan Kari, but Nigeria responded through debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor to secure all three points.

Kari headed Madagascar ahead after the visitors executed a short-corner routine, leaving Nigeria with an early deficit to overcome.

The Super Eagles struggled to create clear opportunities for much of the opening period despite enjoying possession. Their persistence eventually paid off in first-half stoppage time when George Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, converted a chance created by Alex Iwobi to level the score.

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Nigeria returned from the break with greater attacking intent and took the lead in the 65th minute.

Moses Usor, another debutant, received the ball on the right, drove towards the Madagascar penalty area and moved past defenders before cutting inside and firing a low left-footed shot into the net.

Madagascar pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Nigeria held on to claim victory in its opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.

The result gives head coach Éric Chelle three points from his first competitive assignment with the Super Eagles, although Nigeria will have areas to address before the next fixture, particularly after conceding early and creating limited chances in the first half.

The victory also gives Nigeria an important early advantage in Group L. Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0 in the other group match, while Tanzania is one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau away on September 29 in its second Group L fixture.

For Ilenikhena and Usor, the match provided an impressive introduction to senior international football, with both players finding the net on their Super Eagles debuts.

Nigeria will now seek another positive result against Guinea-Bissau as the AFCON 2027 qualification race gathers momentum.

AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Nigeria Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo