Key lessons from Nigeria's comeback win against Madagascar

Nigeria won 2-1 against Madagascar in their first match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The score does not tell the full story of the game.

George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor, both making their first appearances for Nigeria, scored the goals that helped the Super Eagles after Clement Couturier had shocked the home team with an opening goal in the 16th minute.

Nigeria had to fight hard for the three points. Alex Iwobi thought he had equalized, but his goal was disallowed after Akor Adams was penalized for fouling the goalkeeper. The pressure kept on building until Ilenikhena scored just before half-time, bringing hope back to the tense crowd in Uyo.

In the second half, Stanley Nwabali made a vital one-on-one save just seven minutes in, leading Coach Chelle to make changes. Moses Simon came on for his 100th appearance for Nigeria, while Usor made his debut.

Usor wasted no time making an impact. After Oluwasemilogo Ajayi cleared a Madagascar corner, Usor took the ball from his own half, powered past two defenders, and scored with a left-footed shot into the near post, completing the comeback.

Tolu Arokodare later hit the post in the 74th minute, and Nigeria faced late pressure before finally securing the win.

For Coach Chelle, this victory was more than just three points. It showed what Nigeria can achieve with new players stepping up, experienced players rising to the occasion, and a team learning different ways to win.

Ilenikhena shines on his debut

Ilenikhena's equalizer meant more than just a goal. He was born in Lagos but raised in France from age three. He had to choose between playing for Nigeria or France and finally decided to represent Nigeria.

Chelle rewarded him with a senior call-up, and Ilenikhena quickly showed he was worth it. He scored his first Nigeria goal at a crucial time, just before half-time, when Madagascar seemed ready to go into the break ahead.

His time in Europe showed his potential. Ilenikhena played 51 times and scored 10 goals for Monaco, including a memorable Champions League goal against Barcelona. Now, he adds his first senior international goal to his list.

Bassey proves his worth in defense

Calvin Bassey showed he was the solid defender Nigeria needed against Madagascar. The Fulham player was calm on the ball, tough in challenges, and hard to get past as Madagascar looked for chances.

Bassey’s performance relied more on smart positioning and control than flashy tackles. He dealt with danger effectively, especially against a Madagascar team that tried to absorb pressure and counter-attack.

His display in Uyo reinforced why he is a crucial part of the Super Eagles’ defense.

Nwabali shines despite questions

Stanley Nwabali came into the qualifier facing doubts about his club situation but showed no signs of being out of form when Nigeria needed him. He left Chippa United in February, was without a club for months, and returned to the South African side in July.

Against Madagascar, he looked sharp. Seven minutes into the second half, Nwabali made a key save in a one-on-one situation, stopping what could have been a second goal for Madagascar. This save was vital as Nigeria went on to win.

Maduka Okoye has also played for Nigeria this year but arrived late to camp due to club duties. Nwabali’s strong showing strengthens his claim for the starting goalkeeper position.

Usor makes an impact and raises competition

Samuel Chukwueze caused problems for Madagascar before being substituted. His direct play was one of Nigeria’s main attacking threats in the first half. Then Usor came on and quickly made his mark.

He scored just four minutes after entering, showing strength, speed, and calmness to finish well. Usor had already impressed with his club, scoring 15 goals and providing 10 assists last season for LASK, helping them win a league and cup double.

One debut does not decide Nigeria’s winger lineup, but Usor’s performance has certainly brought him into the mix. For Chelle, this means more options in attack and more competition for Chukwueze and others.

Life without Osimhen is a reality

The absence of Victor Osimhen was a hot topic before the match. The Galatasaray striker missed the game due to a thigh injury, leaving a big gap as he scored 35 goals in 52 games for Nigeria.

But Nigeria found other ways to score. Two debutants, Ilenikhena and Usor, got the goals, while Arokodare hit the post. Ademola Lookman also troubled the Madagascar defense.

This performance does not lessen Osimhen’s importance, but it showed Chelle that Nigeria can score from various players. This is valuable as the coach tries to widen his options with new faces like Ilenikhena and Usor joining the squad.

Nigeria shows resilience in victory

Madagascar came to Uyo with a clear plan: defend tightly, frustrate Nigeria, and strike when they could. For much of the first half, this strategy worked. They scored first and made life tough for the Super Eagles.

But Nigeria found their way back into the game, thanks to Ilenikhena's equalizer. The second-half substitutions brought fresh energy, and Nwabali's crucial save kept Madagascar from going ahead again.

Usor’s goal completed a comeback that showed Nigeria can handle tough matches without everything going perfectly. The performance wasn’t perfect, but the win was built on determination. This might be one of the biggest lessons from the night.

Looking ahead

Nigeria escaped Uyo with three points, but the real value lies in what Chelle learned. Ilenikhena quickly made an impact, Usor changed the game, Nwabali came through when needed, and Bassey was solid at the back. The team also showed they can win without Osimhen.

These are important pieces for a coach wanting to build a team ready for a long qualification campaign. There is no time to celebrate the comeback.

Guinea-Bissau is next in Morocco on Tuesday, and the pressure is already on. With co-hosts Tanzania guaranteed a spot at AFCON 2027, only the highest-ranked non-host team in Group L will secure the last qualification spot.

Nigeria has started well, and now Chelle’s new-look Super Eagles must turn this good start into momentum.