George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored on their senior international debuts as Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match. The Super Eagles overturned an early deficit at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Head coach Eric Chelle handed starts to several key players. Meanwhile, the visitors struck first.
Ehsan Kari headed Madagascar into the lead in the 16th minute. He met a cross from Ryan Ponti after a corner routine and beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The goal silenced the home crowd.
Nigeria controlled possession and created chances. However, the Super Eagles struggled to break down a resilient defence. An earlier effort from Alex Iwobi was disallowed.
The equaliser arrived in first-half stoppage time. George Ilenikhena, the Al-Ittihad forward making his Super Eagles debut, controlled a through ball from Alex Iwobi. He then slotted the ball into the net to make it 1-1 at the interval.
Nigeria returned after the break with greater urgency. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi drove the midfield.
Eric Chelle made a double change around the hour mark. He introduced Moses Usor and Moses Simon to Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
Moses Usor, the LASK forward on his debut, scored the winner in the 65th minute. He collected the ball, dribbled past two defenders and finished at the near post.
Nigeria held firm in the closing stages. The Super Eagles secured three points from their Group L opener. They next face Guinea-Bissau.
