Super Eagles Fight Back to Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifying Opener

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday.

The result earned Nigeria three points from their opening Group L fixture after the visitors took an early lead and put the home side under pressure. The Super Eagles eventually recovered through goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.

Madagascar stunned the home crowd in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari headed the ball beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to give the Barea a 1-0 advantage. The goal gave the visitors an early foothold in the contest.

Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities during the opening stages, although the hosts began to increase their pressure as the first half progressed. Wilfred Ndidi headed over the crossbar in the 29th minute, while an apparent equaliser by Alex Iwobi was disallowed after Akor Adams was adjudged to have fouled Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire.

The Super Eagles eventually got their reward just before halftime. George Ilenikhena, making his senior international debut, finished an assist from Iwobi in the 45th minute to restore parity and send both teams into the interval level at 1-1.

Nigeria returned from the break with greater attacking urgency and began to exert sustained pressure on the Madagascar defence. The hosts recorded 21 touches inside Madagascar’s penalty area early in the second half, compared with three by the visitors.

Head coach Eric Chelle made his first substitutions in the 61st minute, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams. Usor quickly made his presence felt, scoring Nigeria’s second goal only minutes after coming on.

Usor’s 65th-minute goal came after he received an assist from Semi Ajayi, marking his first goal for the senior national team and completing Nigeria’s turnaround from 1-0 down to 2-1 ahead.

Chelle subsequently brought on Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare in the 69th minute as Nigeria sought to maintain its advantage. The Super Eagles held on through the closing stages to secure the three points and begin the qualifying campaign with a victory.

The victory puts Nigeria on three points in Group L and gives the team a winning foundation ahead of its next assignment against Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles are scheduled to travel to Bissau for their second qualifying fixture on Tuesday, September 29. Group L also contains Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, meaning the qualification race has added significance for the other teams in the group.