Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The hosts were forced to come from behind after Madagascar took a surprise lead in the 16th minute. Ehsan Kari rose highest to head the ball past Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, putting the visitors 1-0 ahead.
Nigeria struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages, with Madagascar doing a good job of limiting the Super Eagles’ attacking threat. The hosts finally tested goalkeeper Geordan Dupire in the 28th minute when Nigeria fired a shot from the right flank.
A minute later, Wilfred Ndidi came close to finding the equaliser, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
Nigeria thought they had levelled in the 33rd minute when Alex Iwobi finished from inside the box. However, the goal was disallowed after referee ruled that Akor Adams had fouled Dupire in the build-up.
The Super Eagles continued pushing and finally got their reward just before halftime.
In the 45th minute, debutant George Ilenikhena brought Nigeria level. The Al Ittihad forward latched onto a pass from Iwobi before firing the ball into the back of the net, sending the teams into the break at 1-1.
Nigeria returned from halftime with far greater attacking purpose. The Super Eagles quickly began putting Madagascar under sustained pressure, recording 21 touches inside the visitors’ penalty area compared with just three for Madagascar during the early stages of the second half.
Madagascar briefly threatened to regain the lead in the 51st minute, but Nwabali dealt comfortably with the danger and dispossessed Rayan Raveloson.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle made his first substitutions in the 61st minute, introducing Moses Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams.
The changes immediately paid off.
Usor needed only a few minutes to make his mark, finding the net to complete Nigeria’s comeback and put the Super Eagles 2-1 ahead.
Chelle then added further attacking options in the 69th minute, sending Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare onto the pitch as Nigeria looked to protect their advantage and see out the game.
The Super Eagles managed the closing stages effectively and held on for an important three points.
The victory gives Nigeria a winning start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, while the tournament itself will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.
