🇳🇬 Nigeria Come From Behind to Beat Madagascar 2–1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Madagascar stunned the home side by taking the lead in the 16th minute, but Nigeria responded before the interval through George Ilenikhena, who restored parity in first-half stoppage time.
Ilenikhena and Usor complete comeback
Nigeria continued to push for a second goal after the restart and eventually found the breakthrough in the 65th minute.
Moses Usor, one of the players making his senior international debut, scored to put the Super Eagles ahead for the first time in the match.
The visitors were unable to find another equaliser as Nigeria held on to secure all three points from their opening qualifier.
The victory gives Nigeria an important start to their Group L campaign as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Final score
Nigeria 2–1 Madagascar
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor both marked their competitive Super Eagles debuts with goals, helping Nigeria recover from an early setback and begin the qualifying campaign on a winning note.
