Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday.
Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria after E. Kari had given Madagascar an early lead.
Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute when Kari converted a pass from R. Ponti to put the hosts ahead.
The Super Eagles responded just before half-time, with Ilenikhena finding the net in the first minute of added time to restore parity.
Alex Iwobi provided the assist as Nigeria went into the interval level at 1-1.
Nigeria completed the comeback in the 65th minute when Usor scored to put Eric Chelle’s side 2-1 ahead.
Semi Ajayi supplied the assist for Usor’s goal as the Super Eagles held on to secure all three points from their opening Group L fixture.
The match was also a memorable occasion for Ilenikhena and Usor, who made their Super Eagles debuts after receiving their first senior call-ups for the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria will next face Guinea-Bissau on 29 September in their second Group L qualifying fixture as they continue their bid to reach the 2027 AFCON tournament.
