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Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday.
Madagascar took an early lead in the 16th minute when E. Kari converted a pass from R. Ponti to put the hosts on the back foot.
Nigeria, however, restored parity in first-half stoppage time through debutant George Ilenikhena, who finished from an assist by Alex Iwobi to make it 1-1 at the break.
The Super Eagles returned from the interval with greater purpose and completed the comeback in the 65th minute.
Another debutant, Moses Usor, scored Nigeria’s second goal after being set up by Semi Ajayi, giving Eric Chelle’s side a 2-1 lead.
Nigeria held on to secure all three points from their opening Group L fixture and make a winning start to their qualification campaign.
The victory also provided a memorable introduction for Ilenikhena and Usor, who received their first senior national-team call-ups for the September fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Both players responded with goals on their Super Eagles debuts, contributing directly to Nigeria’s comeback victory.
Chelle will now turn his attention to Nigeria’s next Group L assignment against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The Super Eagles will be seeking another positive result as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
