The Super Eagles of Nigeria have opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor helped Nigeria recover from an early setback and begin Group L proceedings with three points.
Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina returned to the squad after lengthy absences, while Ilenikhena was handed his first international start in attack in place of injured striker Victor Osimhen.
Moses Simon began the match on the bench but later came on to make his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, becoming only the fourth Nigerian player to reach the milestone.
Nigeria created the first clear opportunities, with captain Wilfred Ndidi heading over the bar. Madagascar also attempted to test Nwabali from distance but failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Against the run of play, Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute. Kari Eshan headed in from a well-worked short corner to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.
The Super Eagles responded with pressure as Ndidi and Ilenikhena came close, while Akor Adams also missed an opportunity after finding space inside the penalty area.
Nigeria eventually levelled just before half-time. Alex Iwobi split the Madagascar defence with a pass into Ilenikhena’s path, and the youngster composed himself inside the box before finding the bottom corner to register his first international goal.
Madagascar came close to restoring their advantage early in the second half after a defensive lapse left Hakim Abdallah through on goal, but Nwabali reacted quickly to deny the striker.
Nigeria head coach Chelle then made a double substitution, introducing Usor and Moses Simon for Samuel Chukwueze and Adams.
Usor quickly made an impact, creating Nigeria’s next two chances before scoring the second. The Austria-based forward launched and completed a counter-attack after a Madagascar corner, collecting the ball outside Nigeria’s penalty area before driving into the visitors’ box and finishing at the near post to make it 2-1.
The result marked the first time two players have scored on their Super Eagles debuts in the same match.
Nigeria held on to secure all three points and extend their unbeaten record against Madagascar in AFCON qualifying.
The victory moves Nigeria level on points at the top of Group L with Guinea-Bissau, whom the Super Eagles will face in Bissau on September 29.