Super Eagles 2-1 Madagascar: Nigeria begin AFCON QF with three points in Uyo

The Super Eagles of Nigeria made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, coming from behind to lead Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, Soccernet.ng reports.

It was a day for the debutants in the Green and White jersey. Nigeria fell behind in the first half after Clément Couturier put Madagascar ahead in the 16th minute, heading home from Ryan Ponti's cross.

Eric Chelle’s side responded before the break through George Ilenikhena, tapping home from Alex Iwobi's brilliant pass.

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Moses Usor then completed Nigeria’s turnaround in the 65th minute. The LASK forward, freshly off the bench, took the ball from Nigeria's half, beating two players before wrong-footing Madagascar's Georgian Dupire!

Nigeria 2-1 Madagascar: What just happened

Nigeria started brightly but found Madagascar difficult to break down, with the visitors eventually taking the lead through Couturier.

The early moments were grim for Nigeria as the presence of just two midfielders was evident, but Samuel Chukwueze provided a bright spark, dribbling past the opponents, but nothing solid came from the 27-year-old's footwork.

The Super Eagles continued to push for a response and came close on several occasions, with George Ilenikhena particularly involved in the attack.

The Al-Ittihad striker had an effort saved by Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire after being played in by Calvin Bassey, before heading another chance over the bar from Samuel Chukwueze's cross.

Nigeria's pressure finally paid off in first-half stoppage time. Alex Iwobi found Ilenikhena inside the box, and the young striker made no mistake, placing his effort into the bottom-left corner to restore parity at 1-1.

🚨🌍 | GOAL: GEORGE ILENIKHENA HAS EQUALIZED FOR NIGERIA!

🇳🇬 Nigeria 1-1 Madagascar 🇲🇬 pic.twitter.com/hWtf9kP6Ek

— TheGoalsZone (@TheGoalsZone) September 25, 2026

The equaliser gave Nigeria momentum going into the second half.

Ilenikhena rescues Nigeria before Usor completes comeback

The Super Eagles continued to search for a second goal after the restart. Ademola Lookman came close when his effort inside the box was blocked, while Calvin Bassey also saw a header saved by Dupire after a cross from the Atlético Madrid forward.

Chelle then turned to his bench, introducing Moses Usor for Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon for Akor Adams, and the changes soon paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor latched onto a ball from Semi Ajayi, ran the entire length of the pitch, before cutting inside and firing a left-footed effort into the bottom-right corner.

Usor's goal also capped an impressive introduction for the LASK winger, who was making his competitive debut for the Super Eagles.

Moses Usor 😮

What a way to score in your debut pic.twitter.com/D2e7V19w6P

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) September 25, 2026

Super Eagles had a nervous ending

Nigeria had opportunities to extend their advantage, but Madagascar remained dangerous and continued to look for a route back into the game.

Hakim Abdallah saw an effort from inside the box blocked, while Madagascar also made several substitutions as they sought an equaliser.

Tolu Arokodare replaced Lookman and Taiwo Awoniyi came on for George Ilenikhena as the Super Eagles held on to secure a crucial opening victory in Group L.

Nigeria's next qualifier will be against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.