AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Ilenikhena, Usor fire Nigeria to 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The win was secured by debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, who scored either side of half-time to overturn Madagascar’s early lead and give Nigeria three points in their opening Group L fixture.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari headed the visitors in front following a delivery from Ryan Ponti.

Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities in the opening stages but gradually increased the pressure as the first half progressed.

The hosts appeared to have levelled through Alex Iwobi in the 33rd minute, but the goal was ruled out after referee’s intervention for a foul by Akor Adams on Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

Nigeria eventually found the equaliser in first-half stoppage time.

Ilenikhena, making his senior Super Eagles debut, finished an Alex Iwobi pass to make it 1-1 and give Nigeria momentum going into the interval.

Nigeria returned for the second half with greater attacking intent and put Madagascar under sustained pressure.

Head coach Éric Chelle made a double substitution in the 61st minute, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.

The change paid off almost immediately.

Usor scored in the 65th minute to complete Nigeria’s comeback and put the Super Eagles ahead for the first time in the match. CAF reported that the LASK forward finished a move after receiving a pass from Semi Ajayi.

Madagascar attempted to respond but Nigeria held on to protect its advantage and secure the three points.

The result gives Chelle’s side a winning start to the qualifying campaign and puts Nigeria alongside Guinea-Bissau on three points in Group L. Guinea-Bissau also opened its campaign with a 2-0 away victory over Tanzania.

The match provided a notable milestone for Ilenikhena and Usor, who both scored in their first senior appearances for Nigeria.

Ilenikhena had received his first Super Eagles call-up for the September qualifiers after representing France at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria. Usor was also among the new players called up by Chelle for the qualifiers.

Their goals ensured Nigeria avoided an early setback after Madagascar took the lead and gave the Super Eagles the points required to begin their qualification campaign on a positive note.

Nigeria will next travel to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L qualifier on September 29.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the qualifying position available to the highest-ranked non-host team in the group.