Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, opening their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points after the visitors had taken an early lead.
The Super Eagles controlled much of the opening exchanges and created several opportunities during the first 10 minutes. Samuel Chukwueze was at the heart of one of the early openings in the fourth minute, working his way into the right side of the box before choosing to slide a pass towards George Ilenikhena. Madagascar’s defence reacted quickly to clear the danger.
Nigeria’s early dominance, however, was undone by a cleverly worked Madagascar corner.
The visitors played the set piece short, exchanged passes before a long cross was whipped into the area from the right, and C. Couturier rose to head Madagascar in front. Nigeria’s defenders had appeared convinced that the Madagascar player was offside, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.
The goal silenced a well packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the silence was loud. It was followed with an immediate reaction from the Super Eagles, with captain Wilfred Ndidi raising one hand towards the supporters and placing the other on his chest, an acknowledgement that Nigeria had made a costly mistake.
But the hosts did not allow the setback to define the half.
George Ilenikhena restored parity in the first minute of added time, giving Nigeria the goal they needed to go into the interval level at 1-1.
It was a memorable start to his senior international career. The 20-year-old, who plays for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, was making his Nigeria debut after previously representing Monaco and Royal Antwerp, among others.
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Nigeria returned from the interval with greater pressure, with Ndidi and Alex Iwobi helping the Super Eagles regain control of midfield.
At the other end, Calvin Bassey was particularly prominent. The Fulham captain was active in dealing with Madagascar’s crosses and repeatedly disrupted the visitors’ attempts to progress into dangerous areas.
Then came the moment that ultimately decided the match.
Moses Usor collected a long pass on the right after Nigeria had survived an attack in their own box. With the ball under control, he drove forward while two Madagascar defenders attempted to close him down but they could not contain him.
Usor continued towards the far right corner before skilfully gliding between the two defenders and driving into the penalty area. The angle was tight and the goalkeeper made himself big, but rather than look for another option, the debutant took the responsibility himself.
His low effort found the bottom right corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted before he eventually fell to the ground.
It was arguably the best goal of the evening a solo effort created by determination, control and a brave finish from an angle where few expected the shot to come.
It also meant that both of Nigeria’s goals were scored by players making their senior international debuts.
Usor, who plays for Austrian side LASK, had been handed his first Super Eagles call up by Eric Chelle and responded with a goal that gave Nigeria the lead for the first time.
Madagascar could not find a way back as Nigeria held on for a 2-1 victory.
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The result also extended Chelle’s unbeaten record in competitive matches in regulation time since his appointment as Nigeria head coach in January 2025.
The victory against Madagascar gave Nigeria a winning start in Group L and provides Chelle’s side with three points ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Guinea-Bissau.
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