Ilenikhena, Usor strike as Nigeria overturn Madagascar in AFCON qualifier

Nigeria opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

The Super Eagles had to recover from an early setback after Madagascar took the lead, but goals from debutant George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around for the hosts.

Madagascar caught Nigeria on the break and converted the opportunity to take an early advantage, leaving the home side chasing the game.

Nigeria eventually found a way back just before the interval, with Ilenikhena scoring in stoppage time to level the contest and mark his first senior appearance for the Super Eagles with a goal.

The teams went into the break at 1-1.

Nigeria returned from the interval with greater attacking intent and applied sustained pressure as Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi helped the hosts establish control in midfield.

That pressure eventually paid off when Usor found the decisive goal to complete Nigeria’s comeback and secure three points in their opening Group L fixture.

The result puts Nigeria on three points, level with Guinea-Bissau, although the latter currently lead the group on goal difference. Tanzania and Madagascar are yet to register points.

The Super Eagles will continue their qualifying campaign away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, while Madagascar will host Tanzania on the same day.

Nigeria began the campaign without striker Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the opening qualifiers because of injury.