Nigeria’s Super Eagles have opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Madagascar stunned the hosts with an early opener from Ehsan Kari in the 15th minute, leaving Nigeria trailing as the first half appeared to be slipping away.
But debutant George Ilenikhena rescued the Super Eagles just before the interval, firing home in first-half stoppage time to restore parity and send Nigeria into the break level at 1-1.
Nigeria returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and eventually completed the turnaround when Moses Usor found the net in the 65th minute.
The victory gives the Super Eagles three valuable points from their opening Group L fixture as they begin their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Ilenikhena’s equaliser was particularly significant, coming on his senior international debut and ensuring Nigeria avoided going into the interval behind.
The Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next qualifier against Guinea-Bissau as the 2027 AFCON qualification race gathers momentum.
