Nigeria 2–1 Madagascar
Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
The Super Eagles fell behind after only 16 minutes but recovered through debut goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor. Ilenikhena equalised shortly before halftime, while substitute Usor completed the turnaround with an excellent solo goal in the 65th minute.
The victory gives Eric Chelle’s team three important points in Group L ahead of an early top-of-the-table meeting with Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria vs Madagascar Match Summary
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | 2027 AFCON qualification |
| Group | Group L |
| Final score | Nigeria 2–1 Madagascar |
| Venue | Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo |
| Madagascar goal | Ehsan Kari, 16’ |
| Nigeria goals | George Ilenikhena, 45+1’; Moses Usor, 65’ |
| Nigeria’s next match | Away against Guinea-Bissau |
| Date | Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 19:00 East Africa Time |
Madagascar Shock Nigeria With Early Goal
Nigeria entered the match as clear favourites, but Madagascar quickly demonstrated that they were not in Uyo simply to defend.
The visitors took a surprise lead in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari headed past Stanley Nwabali. The goal stunned the home supporters and forced Nigeria to chase the game much earlier than expected.
The Super Eagles initially struggled to create clear opportunities against Madagascar’s organised defensive structure.
Nigeria finally tested goalkeeper Geordan Dupire with an effort from the right in the 28th minute. Wilfred Ndidi then connected with a header but directed his attempt over the crossbar.
Alex Iwobi appeared to have equalised in the 33rd minute after scoring from inside the penalty area. However, the referee disallowed the goal after ruling that Akor Adams had fouled Dupire during the build-up.
George Ilenikhena Scores on Super Eagles Debut
Nigeria continued applying pressure and were rewarded during first-half stoppage time.
Iwobi received possession in an advanced position and produced a well-weighted pass into the penalty area. Ilenikhena remained composed and guided his finish beyond Dupire to make the score 1–1.
The goal was a memorable moment for the young forward, who was making his senior international debut.
Ilenikhena had already threatened Madagascar’s goal earlier in the half. He saw one effort saved after being released by Calvin Bassey and later headed over from Samuel Chukwueze’s cross.
His equaliser completely changed the atmosphere inside the stadium and allowed the Super Eagles to enter halftime with renewed confidence.
Super Eagles Dominate After Halftime
Nigeria returned for the second half with greater urgency and control.
Chelle’s team established themselves inside Madagascar’s defensive third and recorded 21 touches in the opposition penalty area during the early stages of the second half, compared with only three for the visitors.
Ademola Lookman had a shot blocked, while Bassey forced Dupire into a save with a header.
Madagascar remained dangerous on the counterattack and almost regained the lead when Rayan Raveloson advanced towards goal in the 51st minute. Nwabali responded quickly and collected the ball before the midfielder could finish.
Nigeria’s pressure continued, but the decisive moment eventually came from the bench.
Moses Usor Completes Nigeria’s Comeback
Chelle introduced Moses Usor and Moses Simon in the 61st minute, replacing Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
Usor needed only four minutes to transform the game.
The LASK winger collected the ball from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half and carried it almost the length of the pitch. He beat two Madagascar players, cut inside and fired a powerful left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
It was a sensational way for Usor to score on his competitive Super Eagles debut.
His speed, confidence and willingness to attack defenders added the directness Nigeria had lacked earlier in the game. Chelle’s decision to introduce the winger proved to be the match-winning tactical change.
Nigeria Survive Nervous Final Minutes
The Super Eagles had opportunities to increase their lead after Usor’s goal but could not find a third.
Madagascar continued searching for an equaliser, with Hakim Abdallah seeing an effort blocked inside the penalty area.
Chelle introduced Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and other fresh players as Nigeria attempted to maintain their intensity and protect the advantage.
The Super Eagles remained organised during the closing stages and successfully prevented Madagascar from creating a clear late opportunity.
Nigeria finished the match with 55% possession, 460 passes and 22 total attempts, according to ESPN’s match data. Madagascar managed only one shot on target but made it count with their opening goal.
Debutants Deliver Without Victor Osimhen
One of the most encouraging aspects of the victory was Nigeria’s ability to recover without depending on established goalscorer Victor Osimhen.
Both Nigerian goals were scored by debutants. Ilenikhena showed composure inside the penalty area, while Usor provided an explosive individual moment from the bench.
Their contributions demonstrate the attacking depth available to Chelle. Nigeria can still call upon experienced players such as Lookman, Simon, Chukwueze, Awoniyi and Arokodare, but the emergence of new forwards gives the coach more options.
Iwobi also played a crucial role. He helped Nigeria control possession and supplied the assist for Ilenikhena’s equaliser.
The performance was not perfect, especially during the opening half, but the reaction after conceding demonstrated resilience.
Who Do the Super Eagles Face Next?
Nigeria’s next AFCON 2027 qualifier is away against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The match will be played at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 East Africa Time.
Guinea-Bissau began their campaign with an impressive 2–0 victory over Tanzania. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage after halftime.
That result places Guinea-Bissau at the top of Group L on goal difference. Nigeria are second, with both teams holding three points.
Why the Guinea-Bissau Match Is Important
The structure of Group L makes Nigeria’s next match particularly significant.
Tanzania have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda. Although Tanzania are participating in the qualification group, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will claim the additional qualifying position.
That means Nigeria cannot afford to treat any fixture lightly. Guinea-Bissau are direct competitors for the available place and have already demonstrated their quality by defeating Tanzania.
A victory in Bissau would move Nigeria to six points and provide an early advantage in the race for qualification. A defeat would allow Guinea-Bissau to establish a three-point lead over the Super Eagles.
Positive Start, but Nigeria Must Improve
The result was the most important outcome for Nigeria, but Chelle will recognise areas that require improvement.
The Super Eagles started slowly, allowed Madagascar to score with one of their few attacks and wasted several opportunities. Stronger opponents may punish those mistakes more severely.
However, Nigeria responded with patience, increased the tempo after halftime and received decisive contributions from the bench.
Ilenikhena and Usor made themselves instant Super Eagles heroes by scoring on their debuts. Their performances offer supporters fresh optimism as Nigeria attempt to secure their place at AFCON 2027.
The next challenge in Guinea-Bissau will provide a clearer measure of the team’s qualification credentials.
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