Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored as the Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday. This win marked the start of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points, Saturday PUNCH reports.
The match took place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. It was also a special moment for Moses Simon, who reached his 100th appearance for Nigeria. He became only the fifth player in the country’s history to achieve this milestone.
Madagascar shocked everyone by taking the lead in the 16th minute. Ehsan Khari headed home from a Ryan Ponti cross after a well-worked set piece. The goal stunned the Super Eagles, who had controlled possession but had not really tested the visitors.
Nigeria pushed hard for an equaliser. Alex Iwobi thought he had scored in the 34th minute, but the goal was ruled out. Akor Adams was deemed to have obstructed the Madagascar goalkeeper.
The hosts finally got their goal in first-half stoppage time. Ilenikhena, who was leading the attack because of Victor Osimhen's injury, scored after a nice pass from Iwobi. The score was 1-1 at halftime.
After the break, Nigeria kept pressing. They almost got caught out when Rayan Raveloson found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. But he missed the chance under pressure.
That miss turned out to be very costly for Madagascar. Usor, who came on for Samuel Chukwueze, put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute. It was his first goal for the Super Eagles. He finished well from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Semi Ajayi.
Tolu Arokodare nearly added a third goal soon after but hit the post after a pass from Iwobi. Simon’s landmark appearance came when he replaced Adams in the second half. He now joins Ahmed Musa, Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo, and Iwobi as Nigeria’s other centurions. Musa holds the record with 110 caps.
Victor Osimhen, who missed both September qualifiers due to a right adductor muscle injury, was at the stadium to support his teammates from the sidelines.
This win places Nigeria at the top of Group L. Guinea-Bissau also started their campaign with a win, beating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 in Zanzibar. Goals from Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé secured the win, but these points do not count towards qualification.
The Super Eagles will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match on Tuesday, September 29.
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