Super  Eagles of Nigeria

Nigeria made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after debutants George Ilekhiena and Moses Usor scored in a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday.

The Super Eagles were forced to recover from an early setback after Madagascar took the lead in the 16th minute, capitalising on Nigeria’s inability to turn their early pressure into a breakthrough.

Despite controlling much of the contest, Nigeria went into the closing stages of the first half behind. However, Ilekhiena, making his international debut, provided the much-needed response when he found the net shortly before the interval to level the score.

The equaliser gave Nigeria renewed momentum, and the Super Eagles continued to control possession and territory after the restart.

Head coach Eric Chelle then turned to another debutant, Usor, in search of a winning goal. The decision proved decisive as the forward produced a strong individual effort before keeping his composure to finish and give Nigeria a 2-1 lead.

Madagascar attempted to respond in the closing stages, but Nigeria's defence held firm to preserve the advantage and secure three points from their opening Group D fixture.

The result gives the Super Eagles an important start to their qualification campaign, with attention now turning to their next Group D assignment.

Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus on September 29 in their second qualifying match.

Do you think Nigeria can beat Guinea-Bissau?